7 Measures and small associations
I have been traveling across the country recently presenting the results of ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership’s recently completed major research project: 7 Measures of Success: What Remarkable Associations Do That Others Don’t. It was my honor to chair that project.
One of the questions I continue to receive from audiences is “How do the findings of the study apply to small associations? All the associations in the study were large organizations.”
We note in the book that our findings are very consistent with the literature on systems and learning organizations. Most of the organizations with which I work in my consulting practice have budgets of $3,000,000 or less. My experience with such associations and my understanding of systems research tells me that the principles that make large organizations remarkable holds true for smaller organizations.
Why didn’t we include smaller organizations in our study? The reasons relate to practical considerations. First, we used a jurying process to identify remarkable associations. Larger associations are more likely to be widely known than smaller ones. It would be very difficult for most association CEOs to identify five outstanding small associations–not because such organizations are non-existent–but because they are not widely known.
The other challenge in including smaller associations involves time. We asked each participating organization to provide us with 15 years of data on a whole host of issues including finances, strategic plans, products and serves, board minutes, etc. The process generated over 100 boxes of materials from 18 organizations. Few small associations could afford the staff time to generate such a large amount of data.
As I discuss the question further with those who raise it, I find that they agree that the principles we uncovered apply to their situation as well. What they really are seeking are examples of how associations with their staff size and budget can put these principles into practice.
I welcome – in fact – I encourage all of you to share your experiences with assessing and implementing the 7 principles. All of us would benefit greatly.
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Comments
Having read the study and attended one of your first public briefings on the 7 Measures of Success-What Remarkable Associations Do That Others Don't, there is no question the principles of the study can and more importantly should be applied in small associations. In this matter, sooner would be better than later. Why? Because smaller associations are far more vulnerable---more vulnerable to for-profit competitors, to unexpected shifts in markets and to the daily risks of business management. They also have the most to gain from thoughtful implementation of the 7 Measures of Success.
For example, smaller associations that successfully step up to data driven strategies discussed in the study will be surprised by the improved quality of their decisions and the resulting satisfaction of their membership. Leaving "opinion-rich" decision-making behind takes guts, but crossing the chasm into "data rich" decision-making offers small association’s access to a whole new level of understanding about member needs, innovation and the opportunity to truly lead their industry and professions. It doesn't require a lot of money, it's not a matter of size or scale, it's a simple matter of focus and discipline. 7 Measures of Success does an excellent job of reminding and illustrating the high return for adherence to those values. Keep up the great work Michael.
Posted by: Kerry C. Stackpole, CAE | November 10, 2006 4:19 PM