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Enhancing the weakest link
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementAssociations want to portray strength. If the national association is composed of state chapters, or the state has local components, all of them should perform at a certain level to deliver consistent value to members. An association with a network of components should have mechanisms to maintain standards of excellence. The focus may be on proper brand usage, strong advocacy, and sustainable membership growth. "You are only as strong as the weakest link," is a concept that applies to components.
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5 ways to sustain association membership
Simma Lieberman Association ManagementAccording to social psychologist Abraham Maslow, everyone has the need to belong, to be connected to others, and to feel accepted. In my consulting practice, I've seen that no matter how long people are at work, they want to feel valued and part of a community. Peggy Smith, director of marketing, membership solutions and community brands at YourMembership says, "Most people decide if they’re going to participate in your association long-term within the first months, days and even minutes of joining. The first interactions with your organization make a lasting impression on a new member."
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10 holiday gifts for busy executives
Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementThe secret to gifts that are memorable and appreciated is to get something people really want and/or need. When choosing gifts for busy executives, it may help to consider their lifestyle and work routine. This can lead to selections that are practical, stylish, and sometimes downright fun. Below are 10 gifts that we think any busy executive would like to receive.
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Are you ready for these payroll changes in 2020?
Grace Ferguson Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementAs we embark upon 2020, numerous payroll changes await. Among them are FICA taxes, Form W-4, state taxes, employee benefits, minimum wage, overtime, paid sick leave, and the quadrennial leap year. For example, in 2020, employers and employees must each pay Social Security tax at 6.2%, up to the taxable wage base of $137,700 — increasing from $132,900 in 2019. Furthermore, at least 20 states are expected to undergo minimum wage hikes in 2020.
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Should you take a new job in 2020?
Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementMany of us have faced Monday mornings that inspire us to surf LinkedIn jobs on an incognito tab by Monday afternoon. At year-end, we often see an uptick in job searches, terminations and overall employment changes. For those facing the prospect (or dream) of a new job in 2020, here are a few questions to consider before making the move.
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Beware of chasing counterfeits
Anne Rose Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementHave you ever wanted something so badly that you overlook any possible negatives and focus solely on the positives you perceive? It doesn’t matter if it’s a person, a job, a career choice, or even a food — the desire for that can consume you and impair your judgment. You elevate the benefits of that one thing and either overlook or blindly ignore any other qualifying attributes. I remember early in my professional life I really wanted to work for a particular company. I had gotten it in my head that that workplace was perfect for me. I did get hired, and it wasn’t long before the reality set in.
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The skinny guide to office gift-giving
Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementNo one needs any more coffee mugs, motivational calendars, or Panera gift certificates. However, neutral, non-offensive, somewhat practical tokens are what office gift-giving is all about! Instead of stressing over whether to buy everyone the same thing or opt-out of exchanging gifts entirely, check out this skinny guide to office gift-giving. For example, when buying gifts for co-workers, one of the best things to do is pick a price and a theme.
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One more time: Why we hate performance evaluations
Hank Boyer Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementThey are the subject of jokes, disliked by employees and employers alike, deemed "untrustworthy," and yet they continue to be a staple for how people are managed. As I work with employers and employees across North America, I hear horror story after horror story about how much people dislike the annual ritual of performance evaluations. Here are my unofficial top 10 reasons why people loathe performance appraisals and what must be fixed to make them effective.
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New year, new opportunities for improvement
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementAs the 2010s end, we now face opportunities associated with transitioning to a new decade. This is a time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Tawni Phelan, CAE, CMP, executive director of the Oklahoma Society of Association Executives, offers a positive outlook, "2020 is a new year and decade. Seize the opportunity to make the past a resource and the future a world of possibilities." Most association staffs are busy putting out fires, answering questions and meeting deadlines. Make time to discuss with staff or officers how to make enhancements in the organization.
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What is the future of leadership?
Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementIf everything rises and falls on leadership, are we in good hands, or should we be concerned? While technology is moving at the speed of light and leveling everything in its path, leaders often seem hesitant to change their rather archaic traditions and beliefs. This is causing some uneasiness among employees and other stakeholders. So, what is the future of leadership, and how can leaders be effective and successful in this brave new world?
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