The next step in creating excellency…

What happens when you bring a bunch of association pros together? You get a goldmine of ideas, inspiration, and potential solutions—and then some!

That’s exactly what went down on September 10, 2024, at the ASAE Research Foundation World Café, the second of two summits hosted by ASAE’s 7 Measures Task Force (the first summit was back in June).

These sessions took a fresh look at the 2006 book, 7 Measures of Success: What Remarkable Associations Do That Others Don’t, by exploring how the findings hold up today and why they still matter. The insights shared will help kick off future ASAE research. (Heads up: The Foundation is planning to gather input from an even broader audience, so keep an eye out for those opportunities!)

During the September discussion, the group agreed on one key observation: Associations are key to tackling society’s biggest challenges. They also identified 5 factors to be considered that can help associations maximize their impact:

  • Engage fit-for-purpose boards
  • Exhibit speed and agility
  • Engender a trusted-knowledge-source reputation
  • Embrace the industry leadership role
  • Measure impact

We love it! And of course, we couldn’t help but add our own thoughts so if you’re interested, read on…

Engage fit-for-purpose boards. Having worked with numerous boards over the years, we couldn’t agree more. Nothing signals failure like a board that exists just for the sake of having a board. Instead, build boards that actually serve a purpose. Put together a group that’s ready to be effective stewards of your mission by including people who embrace innovation, continuous learning, and forward thinking (be sure to check out ForesightWorks).

Exhibit speed and agility. The pandemic was a reality check for associations about the importance of being able to pivot quickly. We also learned that change isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace. You won’t always know what’s coming next, but you can lean into the opportunities it brings. An exceptional association not only knows this but is also ready to take it on.

Engender a trusted-knowledge-source reputation. So important! In today’s fast-moving digital world, trust is hard to come by. Associations can and should step up as trusted resources—not just for volunteers, members, and the industries they serve, but for anyone who needs reliable, credible information about that industry. And don’t stop there: building relationships beyond your usual membership circles is going to be key to staying relevant.

Embrace the industry leadership role. Right on! Collecting dues and hosting events might keep your association afloat, but it’s not moving the mission forward in a meaningful way. Real impact happens when association CEOs … and we’ll add association staff … step up as industry leaders in their own right, which makes them better able to help their volunteer navigate their leadership roles.

Measure impact. Preaching to the choir here! If you want to make a real difference in the mission, you need to be crystal clear on your purpose and relentless about measuring your impact—not just outcomes, but the real, lasting changes you’re creating.

Stay tuned—these ideas are just the beginning!