"Get the fundamentals down and the level of everything you do will rise," said Michael Jordan. The principle applies to both basketball and associations.

Basketball engages an array of people and elements, including the players, coaches, owners, arena staff, referees, fans and media. Every component has to master the basics to be effective.

Associations, too, have many elements that must interface to achieve the desired results. These include the board and committees, the staff, members, chapters, external stakeholders, the media and allied organizations.

Everything and everyone must work in harmony to have impressive outcomes. Consider how the purpose and behaviors of these elements engage.

Mission

There must be consensus on the statement of purpose or mission. The statement should clearly communicate the reason for the organization’s work. The mission frames nearly every discussion and decision in the association.

Passion

Directors and staff should rally around the purpose and work passionately to advance the mission. The phrase "butts in seats" as a way to populate a board of directors is detrimental. Everybody on the team should be capable and eager to play.

Determination

It takes drive to work to move the ball. The governance and management teams must be committed. Equally as important is developing a culture of trust. Without trust there will be many fouls.

Leadership

The board is responsible for governance. They lead by setting a vision and serving the membership. Boards should desire to be high performing, producing results at every opportunity.

Management

Administration of the association is handled by professional staff. Directors must recognize the distinction between the roles of governance and management.

Strategy

The board and staff create a multi-year strategic plan. A good plan is a signature-quality document. Always keep the strategic plan on the board table and weave it into board discussions to serve as a road map.

Performance

The association (like the NBA) is a business. Set performance measures regarding finances, membership, events and outcomes. Report on progress by using dashboards for visual depictions of data and trends.

Evaluation

Continuous improvement is facilitated through evaluation. At the end of every game, or in this case events, board meetings and transitions, progress should be evaluated.

Fouls and Infractions

A foul is defined by rules as a violation of the rules to gain advantage by physical contact. A foul may result in a change of possession of the basketball or free-throw opportunities.

In associations, governing documents guide the efforts. Infractions may include disregard for the strategic plan, directors with personal agendas, missing funds, or a lack of respect among leaders and staff.

Finally, there is a significant distinction between basketball and associations. In basketball the NBA has an off-season. In associations, it’s a year-round effort with no down time.

Michael Jordan was right about mastering the fundamentals so that results are improved.