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Extending board terms during a crisis

Robert C. Harris Association Management

An association relies on its board to govern. It sets the vision and advances the mission to best position the organization and serve its members. Through the pandemic, some directors may have reasons they can no longer volunteer. It is logical if board members request an absence from leadership duties. Bylaws often allow for some excused absences, which may solve the problem. There are other solutions to prop up the board. Some of the remedies are intended for dire situations; they are not to appease a director who simply wants to stay on the board.

5 steps companies can make in the fight for racial justice

Damon Sayles Business Management, Services & Risk Management

The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has lit a global fire to where more people of all colors, creeds and orientations are expressing their opinions in favor of social justice, racial equality and human rights. Some are inquiring about what they can do to help the cause. Others are clueless as to what needs to be done in work and recreational environments. Some have even asked if it goes beyond a donation — which it does. As corporate America continues to cope with racial injustice, here are a few things companies can do to better the advancement of equality.

Why your company’s culture matters — especially in the throes of…

Dan Bruder Business Management, Services & Risk Management

With the outbreak of COVID-19, organizational culture was tested with a rapid change from working together on-site to working at home. Companies with a strong, intentional culture were able to swiftly implement work-from-home practices since their culture was stronger than the process. On the other hand, organizations with a weak culture struggled with employee productivity and motivation when the surrounding environment changed. In truth, culture is the most important ingredient to success and your company cannot realize its potential without having an intentionally designed, foundational culture. Here are some tips for developing a culture that connects, motivates, challenges, and aligns organizations.

How to fix a divided board

Robert C. Harris Association Management

The executive director warned, "You should know we have a divided board." The concept was foreign to me. A board is a governing body authorized by law to serve the membership, advance the mission and make best use of resources. Members expect results from the leadership team. When I hear of a divided board, I imagine disunity, disagreement, conflicting interests and highly emotional discussions. I asked him to explain, "What is a divided board?"

US payrolls add 2.5 million jobs amid reopenings; unemployment drops to…

Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Employers added 2.5 million nonfarm jobs in May after April's 20.5 million layoffs, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. May's rate of unemployment dropped to 13.3% versus 14.7% in April. Some economists had spoken of May's unemployment rate reaching 20%, rivaling the depths of the Great Depression. Instead, the labor market improved due to a partial resuming of economic activity after its curtailment in March and April to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some areas of the economy did not rebound in May.

Covid, a four-letter curse word for associations

Bob Harris and Jereca Lutz Association Management Business Management, Services & Risk Management Communications

Not long ago, associations and chambers were excited about the start of a new decade. Calendars were set and budgets approved for a great year. Then COVID-19 barged in uninvited, becoming the loudest voice in the room. Our boards had to stay away from in-person meetings, events were cancelled, and staff worked from home. Life as we know it became chaotic. The health of our organizations, businesses and communities suffered. The virus is rude, crude, and unwelcome.

Mastermind groups: A perfect solution to today’s uncertainty

Victoria Fann Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Years ago, I was invited to join a women's mastermind group. It took place each week and followed a well-defined format that included a brief guided meditation; check-in; a designated amount of time for each member to share successes, challenges and receive input and support; and finally, intention-setting for the coming week. I found it inspiring, empowering and extremely helpful because it held me accountable and offered me genuine support and solutions.

Taking the pulse of association leaders, influencers and staff

Robert C. Harris Association Management

Environmental factors are encouraging organizations to regroup and consider what the future holds. Many are making positive, long-lasting changes during this time of recovery. Two distinct groups work as a team to lead an association. Volunteer leaders govern while the professional staff manage. During the springtime, associations were responding to member urgencies. Soon after, organizations propped up their operations, ensuring sustainability and relevance. Now they are asking influencers, leadership, and staff what the future holds.

6 steps to getting better at everything

Hank Boyer Business Management, Services & Risk Management

I've been an executive coach for almost two decades with greater than a 97% rehire rate. I want to share some of the tactics and strategies that continue to work across different industries, different cultures, and different kinds of need areas. You can become better at almost anything if you follow this simple plan.

Infographic: Tricks to learn any skill fast

Brian Wallace Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Lifelong learning is the gift that keeps on giving, whether that learning is professional or personal. Seventy-three percent of American adults consider themselves to be lifelong learners but half feel underskilled and fear they are missing out on growth opportunities. This infographic outlines the value of learning as well as how to break down learning skills into smaller tasks that can be built upon.

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