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5 ways to get the most out of any conference
Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementAttending a conference with anyone else from your organization is a great opportunity to build, strengthen or even repair relationships. Take the time to network with purpose. For example, commit to learning something new about a team member, strengthen a relationship with someone outside your normal work circle or take action to repair any misconceptions or old wounds. Of course, conferences are also a great time to expand your network outside the office.
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New ways to make great business decisions
Lisa Mulcahy Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementTrying to settle on an important work choice? We all know about the value of researching your options, making a pros and cons list, and talking over the details with objective and informed colleagues. However, employing an out-of-the-box and effective science-based trick might just be the ticket when it comes to clarifying your thoughts and options. Use one or more of these strategies to help yourself come to the correct conclusion.
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Understanding the association org structure
Robert C. Harris Association Management"I’m new on the board. At every meeting I hear about more parts to our organization. Shouldn’t I understand the purpose and relations of each?" It was an honest question from a volunteer. "What are all these entities and why do we have them?" Many organizations have a structure beyond their single-entity association. For this new director, she was hearing about a political action committee, for-profit subsidiary and a charitable foundation.
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How to create more camaraderie in your workplace
Lisa Mulcahy Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementOffice collaboration is essential for great overall productivity in your company, but it's so easy for individual workers to get so caught up in their own tasks and goals that they don't feel this sense of friendly community. Want to encourage your workers to feel closer to each other, and subsequently more eager to do great work together? Try these research-proven tips to foster more camaraderie your organization.
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Start doing this to lead a culture that lasts
Simma Lieberman Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementIt seems like everyone and their dog is now touting their organizational culture and how inclusive it is. But there is often a disconnect between the PR and marketing campaigns and what employees have to say. It takes intention, strategy and vision to build great workplace cultures, and everyone needs to be involved. Workplace culture is a way of doing business. It's not a one-time event.
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Innovative meeting agenda practices
William D. Pawlucy and Robert C. Harris Association ManagementListening to and reading reports is not governance. A board's purpose is to advance a mission, serve members and oversee assets. The passion and expertise of directors should be leveraged. A traditional agenda format may be wasting board time.
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How to command attention during a presentation
Lisa Mulcahy Association ManagementYou've done quality research and work through every step of prepping your presentation — the last thing you want to see are glazed eyeballs while you're talking through each key point.
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IRS Form 990 is revealing
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementAssociations and most nonprofits file Form 990. It is submitted annually to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and averages 25 pages. A quick read reveals much about an organization. Responsibility for preparing and filing an accurate form rests with the filer, often a paid accountant and the chief staff person and board of directors. Executives want to be fully versed in the form to maintain exempt status and accuracy.
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New on the board? Ask questions
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementJoining a board of directors is an exciting experience. It is an opportunity to lead and to serve, a chance to advance a mission or cause. But directors with minimal experience in governing often don’t know what to ask.
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Disappointing the executive director
Bob Harris and Maile Ilac Boeder Association ManagementThe description of an association or chamber executive director is that of a professional. They are a critical part of the leadership team dedicated to serving the members, advancing the mission and working in partnership with the board of directors.
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