There are many pathways to association leadership, but this blog will address two specifically: the association professional and the industry expert. When looking for a leader for a professional organization, you may be considering or seeking to consider both types. Here are the benefits and drawbacks to either! You can decide from there.
Association Leadership Pros
Association leadership, the boring parts like paperwork and records, aren’t a problem
Budgets are part of the skill set
Association leaders are generally already good at networking
A head for planning comes with their experience
Organization, key for any association, is usually part of the skills as well
Chances are he or she will already have an in with other association pros and valuable insiders
Industry Experts
Know the membership they serve incredibly well
Has an inside look on the trends of the industry
Better sense of what type of programming will work best
Potentially already has an in with industry insiders and potential hiring managers
Able to better introduce members to advantageous career connections
Easier “in” with members assuming the role after a predecessor
This is not to say that one group lacks where the other excels. In fact, any individual could (and should) have a blend of these two skill sets. Ultimately when selecting a leader for your association, it comes down to any number of factors but the individual should shine through. You may think you NEED an association pro or an industry insider, but keep an open mind! You never know who will come across your desk.
A big part of association leadership is selecting the right technology for your team. Need some help navigating that complicated, crazy process? No worries. We got you covered!
Special Thanks To Sarah Hill and the Canadian Society of Association Executives for this article
