While I concur with those who state: "No one ever says 'When I grow up, I want to be an association executive,'" it turned out for me to be a great fit, although like many of us, an accidental career find.
Although my personal career path took a turn I never imagined (becoming a consultant rather than continuing as a full-time staff person), I still consider myself an association executive at heart. Association management is a great choice for people like myself with a wide variety of interests, talents, skills -- and an interest in life-long learning.
So, here's my list of 10 Things I love about association management when it is at its best:
1. It is about people and relationships.
2. It is about those people working together with a common vision to reach common goals.
3. Evolution occurs instead of change for the sake of change.
4. People with a stake in the issues get involved.
5. Public policy and public awareness are better served.
6. Members and volunteer leaders learn from each other, and create dynamic continuing education programs and opportunities.
7. Staff members become partners and valued team members in the life of the association.
8. Staff works together to most effectively use the limited resources available to create something unique and of high value.
9. New things are tried, and if they don't work, we try something else!
10. There is no guilt by association, but pride of association.
Do all these things exist all at the same time in every association? Of course not. But, these do exist, these are out there, and that is what keeps me motivated, excited, and challenged.
I'm on the same boat! My #11 Associations can make a great impact in the world and drive change.
Posted by: Leonardo | Wednesday, November 04, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Agreed - nice post. I especially agree with point #1. In this 2.0 world, relationships still drive what we do.
Posted by: Josh D. | Friday, October 09, 2009 at 11:58 AM