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A PROGRAM OF THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION
 

IOM Blog

July 17, 2019

What Makes an Organization Remarkable?

What sets successful organizations apart from others – or to put it another way, what’s the difference between being great and good?

While I’m sure that answers to the above can vary widely, I often fall back on the classic ASAE best-selling book “7 Measures of Success” published in 2006 for my talking points.

ASAE’s research revealed seven measures that differentiate remarkable organizations from their counterparts. No one measure outweighs the others and ALL contribute equally to an organization’s ability to innovate, grow and thrive over time.

The measures are grouped into three categories:

Commitment to Purpose

  • A Customer Service Culture – A “we’re here to serve” approach is built into the organization’s structure and processes
  • Alignment of Products & Services with Mission (not money) – Consistency with the organization’s mission remains central and unchanging.

Commitment to Analysis & Feedback

  • Data Driven Strategies – The organization not only excels at gathering & analyzing information, but also has processes in place to take action based on what is learned.
  • Dialogue & engagement – There’s a continuous internal conversation taking place about the organization’s direction and priorities.
  • CEO as a Broker of Ideas – Although the CEO may be a visionary, what’s more important is that the CEO facilitates and promotes visionary thinking throughout the organization.

Commitment to Action

  • Organizational Adaptability – Remarkable organizations learn from and respond to change and while they are willing to change, they also know what NOT to change.
  • Alliance Building – The best organizations aren’t afraid to partner, but doing so has to be for the right purpose and in sync with long-term goals…not just for short-term gain.

As you look around the chamber and association world, I would say that today’s best organizations definitely excel at the 7 Measures; AND, maybe most important…they “have the right people on the bus” – outstanding leaders on their board of directors and talented professional staff.

Avatar photo
Dave Kilby, IOM
Faculty, Institute for Organization Management
Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, California Chamber of Commerce

Dave is Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs for the California Chamber. He also serves as President and CEO of the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.), the largest state or regional chamber executives professional development association in the United States with over 850 members throughout the Western United States. Kilby joined the California Chamber in December 1988 after several successful years as a local chamber CEO. During his first eleven years with CalChamber, he served as the Chamber’s lobbyist on land use, economic development, and housing issues. Dave is a graduate of California State University, Fresno with a degree in political science and journalism and is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Institute program. He is a past chair of the West Institute Board of Regents and is currently a member of the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100 and Public Affairs Committee. He’s also a self-described Disney, trivia, and movie nut. Dave and his wife Kim have three grown children.
Follow Dave on Twitter: @DaveKilbyWACE.

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