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Word count – 664 –5 Minute Read

February marks the annual observance of Black History Month, a time to celebrate, reflect on, and honor the rich legacy of Black history in the United States and beyond. Since its official recognition in 1976, this month has served as a powerful reminder of the immense contributions Black Americans have made across every field of human endeavor. As President Gerald Ford proclaimed when establishing Black History Month, it is an opportunity to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

From its beginnings as a week-long celebration initiated by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926, Black History Month has becomevital for the nation to reflect on its history, recognize Black achievements, and address the ongoing struggles for racial equity and justice.

A Legacy of Resilience, Innovation, and Excellence

Black history is an unyielding testament to the resilience and creativity of a community that has faced adversity while shaping the cultural, economic, and social fabric of the United States. It is a story of triumph against the odds, where African Americans have risen to prominence, broken barriers, and laid the groundwork for progress in every realm.

Consider the brilliance of individuals like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who galvanized a nation through his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement; Maya Angelou, whose words continue to inspire hope and change; and Katherine Johnson, whose mathematical genius propelled the U.S. space program. These are just a few of the countless figures who have contributed to shaping the course of history.

Beyond well-known icons, Black history is the story of everyday heroes who fought for change in their communities, created opportunities for future generations and enriched American society through art, culture, science, and innovation.

Why Black History Month Matters

While Black History Month is a celebration of achievements, it is also a call to action. It challenges us to confront the persistent injustices and acknowledge the systemic inequities that have shaped society. It is a chance to honor the past while committing to creating a more inclusive and equitable future.

Recognizing Black history is not confined to a single month. It requires continuous commitment to education, advocacy, and engagement. Understanding the contributions and struggles of Black Americans is essential to building a society that values and uplifts all people.

Ways to Celebrate and Act

As we observe Black History Month, individuals and organizations can take meaningful steps to honor Black contributions and advance community equity. Here are some ways to celebrate and engage:

• Support Black-owned businesses and creators: Strengthen local economies and amplify Black entrepreneurship by intentionally seeking out Black-owned businesses and creators in your area.
• Highlight Black leaders in your industry or field: Share the stories of Black professionals and pioneers whose work has had a lasting impact.
• Engage in anti-racism education: Attend workshops, read books by Black authors, and have meaningful conversations about race and equity.
• Volunteer or donate to causes that advance racial equity: Support organizations that work to close gaps in areas like education, housing, healthcare, and criminal justice reform.
• Reflect on your organization’s practices: Assess your workplace or community group’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and take steps to create a more inclusive environment.

Looking Forward: The Work Continues

As we celebrate Black History Month, remember that this is not just about honoring the past—it is about creating a future where everyone can thrive. The legacy of Black history teaches us the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the necessity of justice.

Black Americans’ contributions are woven into our nation’s fabric, and their stories of courage, ingenuity, and perseverance continue to inspire new generations. This February, let us lift up these stories, embrace their lessons, and commit to building a society rooted in equity, inclusion, and shared humanity.

Together, we can ensure that the spirit of Black History Month extends beyond its 28 days, guiding our actions and aspirations throughout the year.

In the 20th Century, planning processes in organizations were essentially linear. Leaders relied heavily on historical data, assuming that past trends could predict future outcomes with reasonable accuracy. Stability and predictability were the norms, allowing for detailed plans that unfolded step by step. This approach worked well in an era of slower change and fewer global complexities.

Fast forward to the 21st Century, and the environment has changed dramatically. Today’s organizations face a world marked by rapid technological advancements, global interconnectivity, and unprecedented levels of uncertainty. Traditional linear planning struggles to keep pace with these dynamics, often leaving organizations unprepared for the unexpected.

This shift demands a new approach: scenario-based forecasting. Unlike linear planning, scenario planning embraces complexity and uncertainty. It equips organizations to envision multiple plausible futures, preparing them to adapt swiftly to changes rather than being constrained by a single forecast.

Why Scenario Planning Matters

1. Complexity and Interdependence: Modern challenges often involve multiple variables interacting in unpredictable ways. Scenario planning allows organizations to account for this complexity by considering a range of possible outcomes.
2. Agility in Decision-Making: By preparing for diverse scenarios, organizations build the flexibility to pivot strategies as new information emerges, fostering resilience in the face of uncertainty.
3. Enhanced Strategic Insight: Exploring different scenarios helps leaders uncover risks and opportunities they might have overlooked, ensuring a more robust strategy.

How to Transition to Scenario-Based Forecasting

• Identify Key Drivers of Change: Focus on the trends and forces most likely to impact your organization’s future, such as technological innovation, economic shifts, or policy changes.
• Develop Diverse Scenarios: Construct scenarios representing a range of potential futures, from optimistic to disruptive. Each scenario should challenge assumptions and push creative thinking.
• Integrate Scenarios into Strategic Planning: Use the insights gained from scenario planning to inform decision-making, prioritize initiatives, and allocate resources effectively.
• Embrace Iteration: Scenario planning is not a one-time exercise. Regularly revisit and update scenarios to reflect evolving conditions and emerging trends.

Leading with Strategic Foresight

In a world where the only constant is change, associations must evolve their planning methods to remain relevant and impactful. Scenario-based forecasting empowers leaders to look beyond linear projections and engage with the full spectrum of possibilities. It’s not about predicting the future but preparing for it—whatever shape it takes.

By embracing this mindset, associations can confidently navigate uncertainty, ensuring they are surviving and thriving in the 21st Century.

On Monday, the United States honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Among his many achievements, none resonates more powerfully than his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. While progress has been made since those historic words, the fight for equality remains an uphill battle, stifled by historical distortions and a failure to recognize the immense societal value of Dr. King’s dream.

In recent years, the fragility of that progress has been laid bare, especially in the attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across all sectors of society. We must confront a critical question: What legitimate fears fuel resistance to DEI? Some cite economic concerns, while others invoke societal or political arguments. Yet, in every instance, opposition to DEI represents a profound setback—not just for moral progress but for our collective economic, social, political, and technological advancement.

When organizations—be they companies, associations, or individuals—push back against DEI, we must recognize the ripple effects of their failure to champion inclusion. The recent retreat by technology companies from DEI initiatives is a glaring example of this regression. These corporations, integral to shaping our nation’s economic and social landscape, are prioritizing profit over purpose and dignity—a decision that reveals a troubling weakness in their organizational values.

Associations, too, have at times faltered under the weight of political pressure, choosing to sideline DEI efforts rather than take a principled stand. This unwillingness to act with courage not only undermines their missions but also damages their credibility and relevance in an increasingly diverse world.

What Must Be Done?

The growing resistance to DEI demands bold, strategic action from associations committed to fostering inclusive and equitable environments. Here are actionable strategies to counter anti-DEI forces and sustain these critical values:

The pushback against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives presents a significant challenge for associations committed to creating inclusive and equitable environments. Here are strategies associations can employ to combat anti-DEI forces and maintain their focus on these critical values:

1. Reaffirm and Align DEI with Organizational Values

• Clearly articulate how DEI aligns with the association’s mission, vision, and values.
• Demonstrate the business case for DEI, emphasizing its benefits for innovation, member engagement, and organizational growth.

2. Educate and Build Awareness

• Provide members, stakeholders, and leaders with evidence-based resources on the importance and impact of DEI initiatives.
• Host forums or webinars highlighting success stories and case studies from organizations embracing DEI.

3. Engage in Active Listening

• Acknowledge concerns and resistance from members or stakeholders. Understanding their perspectives can help tailor DEI strategies to address fears and misconceptions.
• Foster open dialogue to create a culture of trust and mutual understanding.

4. Focus on Inclusion for All

• Reframe DEI initiatives as opportunities to benefit everyone by fostering fairness, innovation, and representation.
• Highlight how inclusive practices uplift marginalized groups while enriching the experience for all members.

5. Build Coalitions and Alliances

• Partner with other organizations, coalitions, and experts to amplify DEI efforts and share resources.
• Collaborate with legal and policy advocates to monitor and address external pressures threatening DEI programs.

6. Communicate Data and Success Metrics

• Share measurable outcomes of DEI initiatives, such as improved member satisfaction, retention, and workforce diversity.
• Use data to dispel myths and reinforce the tangible value of these efforts.

7. Strengthen DEI Governance

• Embed DEI principles in governance structures, ensuring board and leadership commitment to long-term equity and inclusion.
• Develop policies and procedures to protect against attempts to dismantle DEI efforts.

8. Empower Grassroots Advocacy

• Encourage members and stakeholders to champion DEI within their networks and communities.
• Offer training and tools for individuals to advocate for inclusion effectively.

9. Prepare for Legal and Political Challenges

• Stay informed about local and national legislative efforts that may impact DEI initiatives.
• Consult with legal experts to ensure compliance while maintaining a strong DEI stance.

10. Stay Resilient and Adaptive

• Recognize that societal change often encounters resistance. Maintain a long-term perspective on the importance of equity and inclusion.
• Regularly evaluate and adjust strategies to respond to new challenges while staying true to DEI commitments.

By taking a proactive and intentional approach, associations can sustain their DEI initiatives despite opposition, ensuring they remain a central part of the organization’s strategy and culture.

In the 20th century, communication in associations was a slow, deliberate process. Communications were sent by mail, and landline phones facilitated scheduled conversations. The pace of communication reflected a world where patience and planning were integral to operations. Fast forward to today, and the digital revolution has completely reshaped how associations connect with members, stakeholders, and the public. Instant messaging, video calls, and social media are now at the forefront, making communication faster, more engaging, and far-reaching. Whether it is better or more accurate is yet to be answered.

Here’s how the shift from traditional to modern communication tools has redefinedwhat associations must consider our more fast-paced and disruptive world.

The Evolution of Communication in Associations

1. Then: Letters and Landline Phones

In the 20th century, associations relied on letters and newsletters to communicate updates, event announcements, and membership information. Yes, email was a reality, but not the norm. Landline phones were reserved for more urgent matters, often involving a lot of back-and-forth to schedule meetings or resolve issues. This system, while functional, lacked immediacy and frequently delayed decision-making.

2. Now: Instant Messaging and Video Calls

Real-time tools like Slack, WhatsApp, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams dominate today’s communication. Associations can instantly reach members, staff, and external partners, enabling faster collaboration and decision-making. Virtual meetings have replaced in-person ones, and video calls ensure that even remote teams can engage face-to-face. It has also led to new competition from outside sources and internal stakeholders.

3. Now: Social Media as a Communication Hub

Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Instagram, and Facebook are now indispensable for association communication. These platforms allow associations to engage members, share updates, host live events, and interact with a global audience in seconds.

Key Benefits of Modern Communication Tools for Associations

1. Enhanced Speed and Efficiency

• What’s Changed: The immediacy of instant messaging and video calls eliminates the delays associated with letters and landline phones.
• Example: An association planning a conference can now organize committee meetings over Zoom and finalize details within days rather than weeks.

2. Broader Reach and Member Engagement

• What’s Changed: Social media allows associations to engage with members across time zones and demographics, ensuring that everyone stays informed.
• Example: The National Association of Realtors (NAR) uses Instagram Stories to quickly update industry trends, reaching members who prefer bite-sized content over lengthy emails.

3. Cost-Effective Communication

• What’s Changed: Some digital tools are often more affordable than traditional methods, reducing printing, mailing, and travel expenses, but infrastructure costs may rise.
• Example: Instead of printing newsletters, many associations now use email marketing platforms like Mailchimp to distribute updates, saving time and money.

4. Personalization and Data-Driven Strategies

• What’s Changed: Digital tools enable associations to tailor communications to individual member preferences.
• Example: Using CRM software, associations can segment their audiences and send targeted messages, such as webinar invitations for specific professional groups.

Challenges of Modern Communication

Despite the advantages, 21st-century communication tools come with their challenges:

• Information Overload: Members are inundated with emails, notifications, and social media posts. Associations must stand out by creating concise, relevant content.
• Learning Curve: Smaller associations with limited resources may struggle to adopt new tools and platforms effectively.
• Maintaining Personal Connections: While digital communication is efficient, it can lack the warmth and personalization of a handwritten letter or a phone call. Associations must balance efficiency with meaningful interactions.

Examples of Associations Embracing Modern Communication

American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)

ASAE uses LinkedIn to share thought leadership articles and updates on events, keeping members engaged and informed while reaching a global professional audience.

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

SHRM hosts webinars and live Q&A sessions on Facebook and LinkedIn, offering members real-time access to industry experts.

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

NAHB uses video calls for remote committee meetings and Slack for internal team collaboration, ensuring seamless communication despite a decentralized workforce.

Next Practices for 21st-Century Association Communication

1. Diversify Your Platforms: Use a mix of instant messaging, email, video calls, and social media to reach members where they are most active.
2. Leverage Automation: Automate routine communications, such as event reminders and renewal notices, to free up staff for more strategic tasks.
3. Focus on Engagement: Encourage two-way communication by using polls, surveys, and live chats to gather member feedback and foster interaction.
4. Train Your Team: Ensure staff and volunteers are comfortable using modern communication tools by providing regular training and professional development sessions.

Coda

The shift from 20^th-century norms to 21^st-century realities like instant messaging, video calls, and social media reflects a broader transformation in associations’ operations. By embracing modern communication tools, associations can enhance efficiency, broaden their reach, and build stronger connections with their members. The key is to balance the speed and scale of digital communication with the authenticity, ethics, and personal touch that members value most.

In the end, communication is about building relationships—and in the 21st century, associations have more tools than ever to do so effectively.

After almost eight decades on this planet, one might read the blog headline and assume this is about age. While age is certainly a component, it is not the sole focus of this discussion.

The concept of “getting younger” for associations isn’t just about attracting professionals in their 20s and 30s. It’s about embracing youthful energy and new perspectives and generating an environment where innovation and forward-thinking thrive. It’s about building bridges to the future while honoring the traditions and legacy that have sustained the association community for decades.

Why Getting Younger Matters

Recruitment and engagement of younger professionals and newer businesses are critical to associations’ long-term health and success. However, this requires more than just adding younger members to the roster. It involves creating intentional strategies that welcome, include, and empower these new voices.

Key elements in achieving this include:

1. Innovation
   Younger professionals bring fresh ideas and creative solutions. Associations must:
   • Embrace emerging technologies to improve member services and engagement.
   • Create innovation hubs or committees to test new approaches.
   • Recognize and reward innovative ideas from all members, regardless of tenure.
2. Experimentation
   Associations that get younger are not afraid to experiment:
   • Pilot programs targeting younger audiences, such as mentorship or reverse-mentoring initiatives.
   • Introduce agile governance practices to adapt quickly to change.
   • Host think tanks or hackathons focused on industry and discipline challenges.
3. Meaningful Dialogue
   Younger generations value authenticity and collaboration:
   • Establish regular forums for open dialogue between seasoned leaders and younger members.
   • Use social media platforms as tools for real-time feedback and engagement.
   • Encourage younger professionals to take leadership roles in these conversations.
4. Outreach
   Expanding the association’s reach is key:
   • Partner with universities, trade schools, community organizations, and outside stakeholder groups to engage students and recent graduates.
   • Develop content and campaigns tailored to younger demographics, emphasizing the value of association membership.
   • Attending events and conferences where younger professionals and startups gather. Not just your own.
5. Future Thinking
   Getting younger is about building tomorrow, today:
   • Incorporate foresight and scenario planning into strategic discussions.
   • Offer leadership development programs that groom younger members for future executive roles.
   • Cultivate a culture of curiosity that encourages exploration of new trends and ideas.

The Call to Action

As younger professionals and emerging businesses enter the workforce and industry spaces, associations must meet them with intentional engagement strategies. Youthfulness is not only about age but also about mindset. Associations that embrace innovation, experimentation, meaningful dialogue, outreach, and future thinking are better equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The future of associations depends on their ability to attract and retain younger, dynamic members while harnessing the wisdom and experience of their established community. Let’s get younger—together.

Often, individuals and organizations resolve to achieve a group of goals or resolutions at the beginning of the new year. Most of these go unfulfilled or look lovely in a memo to staff, friends, and the board.

Rather than make a series of resolutions for the new year, let’s commit to one of the fundamental truths, “the only constant is change.” Our association community has a long and meaningful set of traditional beliefs built over decades, “that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”Our problem is that our operational structures, governance, and long-standing practices are not meeting the test of a new disruptive and challenging BANI worldview century.

Let’s briefly explore the necessity of accepting the constants of change. The following is a dozen to help us advance as strategic thinkers and the BANI worldview.

Reframing these strategies in a BANI worldview (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) can provide sharper insights into how associations should operate in a world characterized by fragility, complexity, and unpredictability. Here’s a revision of some strategies with a BANI perspective in mind:

1. Governance and Decision-Making

• BANI Lens: Brittle governance structures crumble under volatile pressures. Associations must adopt adaptive and participatory decision-making models that prioritize flexibility and inclusivity, preparing leaders to act in the face of incomprehensible complexity and nonlinear change.

2. Membership Models

• BANI Lens: In an anxious world, rigid membership tiers fail to provide a sense of stability. Associations should offer modular and personalized membership models that evolve based on real-time feedback, giving members confidence and relevance in unpredictable circumstances.

3. Value Proposition and Engagement

• BANI Lens: Anxious members in a nonlinear world value clarity and connection. Associations must redefine engagement by creating safe collaboration, storytelling, and co-creation spaces that help members find meaning amidst chaos.

4. Workforce and Talent Strategies

• BANI Lens: Workforce dynamics are increasingly brittle and nonlinear. Associations need resilient talent pipelines that emphasize cross-functional skills, adaptability, and the mental well-being of their teams to mitigate anxiety and prepare for sudden disruptions.

5. Program Delivery and Innovation

• BANI Lens: Programs must be built with redundancy and adaptability to withstand brittleness and nonlinear spikes in demand. Associations should focus on iterative design, scalable solutions, and rapid prototyping to meet real-time evolving member needs.

6. Technology Integration

• BANI Lens: The incomprehensible pace of technological advancement requires associations to embrace modular, interoperable systems that can scale or pivot without becoming brittle. Cybersecurity and AI-driven ethical analytics have become essential tools in navigating a chaotic digital landscape.

7. Advocacy and Public Policy

• BANI Lens: Advocacy strategies must address societal anxiety and reflect nonlinear political dynamics. Associations should focus on building long-term narratives and fostering trust-based relationships that can endure sudden political or public sentiment shifts.

8. Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

• BANI Lens: Fragile systems and rising ecological anxiety demand associations to adopt regenerative practices that mitigate harm and actively rebuild resilience. Equitable policies and DEI initiatives must be central to their missions to create stability and trust.

9. Revenue Diversification

• BANI Lens: Revenue models must be designed to navigate global economies’ brittle and nonlinear nature. Associations should experiment with diverse, adaptive income streams that can flex with economic shifts and ensure financial resilience.

10. Strategic Thinking and Scenario Planning

• BANI Lens: Strategic plans must embrace incomprehensibility and prepare for nonlinear outcomes. Associations should implement scenario-based planning tools and develop strategies that are flexible, iterative, and capable of navigating sudden and unexpected changes. Think Strategically before developing any planning documents.

11. Collaboration and Partnerships

• BANI Lens: Nonlinear challenges require associations to think beyond their traditional silos. They must cultivate resilient ecosystems of partnerships that share knowledge, pool resources, and amplify collective impact.

12. Measurement and Impact

• BANI Lens: Traditional metrics often fail to capture the true impact in a BANI world. Associations should develop holistic, real-time impact frameworks that measure resilience, trust, and system-wide influence rather than relying solely on financial outcomes.

This BANI-Worldview highlights associations’ need to embrace agilityand adaptability, foster resilience, and prioritize meaning-making in response to the volatile and uncertain conditions of the 21st century.

Let me know what you think.

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The Association Community is facing a significant challenge from the private sector. As one of my fellow consultants has reminded me, this isn’t new, but in these disruptive times, it is more present. Venture capitalists (VCs) can harm the association community in several ways, primarily due to their profit-driven approach, which often clashes with the mission-driven focus of associations. Here are key concerns:

1. Shifting the Focus to Profit Over Purpose

Associations exist to serve their members and advance a mission, such as professional development, advocacy, or community building. When VCs invest in or acquire association-related organizations (e.g., technology vendors or service providers), they often prioritize short-term profitability over long-term member benefits, undermining the association’s mission and values.

2. Increased Costs for Essential Services

VC-backed companies often focus on increasing revenue, leading to rising costs for association management systems (AMS), event platforms, learning management systems (LMS), and other technology. This disproportionately impacts smaller associations with limited budgets, reducing their ability to innovate or serve members effectively.

3. Monopolization and Reduced Competition

VCs consolidating industry providers through mergers and acquisitions can lead to monopolies or oligopolies. This reduces competition, stifles innovation, and limits associations’ choices for service providers. Over time, associations may face fewer options and higher prices for tools critical to their operations.

4. Exploitation of Member Data

VC-backed organizations may see member data as a valuable asset to monetize. If data privacy isn’t prioritized, sensitive member information could be sold or used to undermine trust between associations and their members.

5. Pressure to Scale Beyond Sustainability

VCs typically aim for rapid growth and scalability, which can pressure associations or their partners to expand beyond what is sustainable. This can result in overextension, loss of quality, or failure to address the unique needs of individual associations.

6. Erosion of Community and Collaboration

Associations thrive on collaboration and shared purpose. VC-driven entities might prioritize competition over cooperation, leading to fragmentation in the association community. This competitive dynamic can hinder collective advocacy and knowledge-sharing efforts.

7. Focus on Exit Strategies

VCs often invest intending to exit through acquisition or IPO. This short-term mindset can disrupt partnerships between associations and VC-backed companies, especially when new ownership doesn’t align with the association’s mission or needs.

Mitigation Strategies

Associations can mitigate these risks by:

• Vetting vendors: Prioritize vendors whose missions align with the association’s values.
• Investing in member-owned solutions: Explore cooperative or nonprofit-owned technology and services.
• Advocating for ethical practices: Work with vendors committed to transparency, data privacy, and fair pricing.
• Strengthening internal capacities: Build internal expertise to reduce dependency on external providers.

By staying vigilant and strategic, associations can navigate these challenges while staying true to their purpose and mission.

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Today’s environment requires association leaders to cultivate a mindset that embraces complexity, fosters innovation, and drives forward-thinking strategies. Research shows that reading, travel, and meaning-making are powerful tools for achieving these goals. Julia Sloan’s insights in Learning to Think Strategically provide a valuable framework for understanding how to apply them.

The Transformative Power of Reading

Reading is more than a leisure activity; it’s a window into diverse perspectives and new ideas. By engaging with various texts—from fiction and biographies to industry-specific publications—leaders can broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of human behavior, cultural trends, and organizational dynamics.

For associations, this expanded perspective can translate into innovative solutions to member challenges or fresh approaches to programming. For example, reading about emerging trends in other industries may inspire associations to adopt new technologies or rethink traditional membership models. Sloan’s emphasis on the cognitive growth necessary for strategic thinking underscores the importance of continuously feeding the mind with varied and challenging content.

The Insights Gained Through Travel

Travel offers an unparalleled opportunity to step outside familiar environments and experience the world through a new lens. Immersing oneself in different cultures, languages, and customs fosters empathy and adaptability—traits essential for effective leadership.

Consider an association executive who implements collaborative decision-making processes within their organization after visiting a country with a communal approach to problem-solving. Such experiences can lead to transformative initiatives that enhance member engagement and program relevance. Travel also cultivates a global perspective, allowing leaders to anticipate trends and opportunities that might go unnoticed.

Making Meaning of Experiences

The value of reading and travel lies not just in the activities themselves but in the ability to reflect on and integrate these experiences into strategic thinking. This process of meaning-making is at the heart of Sloan’s argument: strategic capacity is built through deliberate reflection and connecting ideas to actionable insights.

Leaders can develop this skill by setting aside time for journaling, discussing experiences with peers, or participating in workshops designed to translate individual learning into organizational impact. By fostering a culture that prioritizes meaning-making, associations can ensure that leaders and staff alike can navigate complexity confidently.

Practical Applications for Associations

To harness the benefits of reading, travel, and meaning-making, associations can take the following steps:

• Encourage a Culture of Reading: Create book clubs or reading lists that explore themes relevant to your association’s mission and goals.
• Promote travel as a Learning Tool: Provide opportunities for staff and board members to attend international conferences or cultural exchange programs.
• Embed Reflection into Strategic Processes: Incorporate structured reflection sessions into leadership retreats or board meetings to connect individual insights to organizational strategy.

Coda

Reading, travel, and meaning-making are more than personal enrichment activities; they are essential to strategic leadership and stewardship. By committing to these practices, association leaders can cultivate the curiosity, adaptability, and insight needed to navigate today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.

The time to act is now. Pick up a book that challenges your thinking, plan a trip to a place that inspires you, and take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned. Your association’s future will thank you.

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The term “BANI” refers to a conceptual framework that describes the current state of the world as Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible. This framework can help associations and organizations navigate the complexities of the 21^st Century, especially in the context of significant political changes such as the new Trump administration and its cabinet appointments. Here’s how associations can apply the BANI framework.

1. Brittle
– Expectation: Policies and political decisions may be reactive rather than proactive, leading to sudden shifts that could disrupt established norms and practices.
– Preparation: Associations should focus on building resilience. This can include developing contingency plans, diversifying revenue sources, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders to adapt quickly to changes.

2. Anxious
– Expectation: Uncertainty surrounding the Administration’s policies may create anxiety among members, stakeholders, and employees. Economic stability, healthcare, and social justice may be particularly contentious.
– Preparation: Clear communication will be essential. Associations should provide timely updates, resources, and support to help members navigate changes. Offering forums for discussion can also alleviate concerns and foster community.

3. Nonlinear
– Expectation: Outcomes from policy changes may not follow predictable patterns. An action taken by the Administration could have unexpected ripple effects across multiple sectors.
– Preparation: Associations should employ scenario planning to envision various potential futures. This helps prepare for multiple outcomes and allows agile responses to unforeseen events.

4. Incomprehensible
– Expectation: The rapid pace of information and the complexity of issues may lead to confusion and misinformation. This can impact public perception and trust.
– Preparation: Associations should prioritize transparency and clarity in their communications. Investing in education and training for members to help them understand complex issues can empower them to make informed decisions.

Additional Considerations
– Advocacy: Associations may need to engage more actively in advocacy, representing the interests of their members in the face of potential policy changes.
– Collaboration: Working with other organizations and coalitions can amplify voices and create a more muscular front in addressing the challenges any new administration poses.
– Innovation: In a BANI world, there is a need for continuous innovation. Associations should explore new ways to deliver value to their members, such as virtual events, online learning, and enhanced member services.

By understanding the BANI framework and preparing accordingly, associations can better navigate the uncertainties of a new political landscape and continue to serve their members effectively.

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Innovation is a buzzword in the association world, yet creating sustainable, impactful innovation remains elusive for many organizations. In their contribution to the book How to Create Innovation, Susanne M. Zaninelli and Stefan F. Diefenbacher provide a roadmap for moving beyond traditional approaches to innovation, highlighting strategies that resonate deeply with associations striving to find their place in our rapidly changing environment.

Zaninelli and Diefenbacher outline vital principles for fostering an innovation culture that aligns with an association’s purpose while adapting to external forces. These ideas are particularly relevant as associations navigate a world characterized by Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, and Incomprehensible(BANI).

The Dual Mindset of Innovation

Zaninelli and Diefenbacher emphasize balancing two seemingly opposing mindsets: exploration and execution. Exploration involves curiosity-driven discovery, encouraging teams to question assumptions, embrace ambiguity, and seek new possibilities. Execution, on the other hand, focuses on disciplined follow-through, ensuring that innovative ideas are translated into actionable results.

For associations, this dual mindset is critical. Associations are stewards of tradition and mission, yet they must also be trailblazers, responding to new member needs, technological advancements, and societal shifts. Innovation flourishes when associations allow space for creativity while embedding structures that drive outcomes.

The Role of Leadership

Another insight from Zaninelli and Diefenbacher is the centrality of leadership in creating innovation. Leaders must not only set the vision but also model behaviors that encourage experimentation, learning from failure, and collaboration across silos. Associations are uniquely positioned to cultivate this kind of leadership, with boards, executive teams, and staff members all contributing to a culture that values continuous improvement.

Bridging Purpose and Innovation

Zaninelli and Diefenbacher underscore the need for organizations to anchor their innovation efforts in purpose. For associations, this means grounding innovation in the mission to serve members and advance the profession or industry while recognizing external forces and stakeholders. An association that innovates merely for novelty risks alienating its base, while purpose-driven innovation ensures that new initiatives resonate with members and stakeholders.

Practical Steps for Associations

Here are four actionable takeaways inspired by How to Create Innovation for associations to implement:

1. Embrace a Learning Culture
   Create opportunities for staff, volunteers, and members to engage in ongoing education and cross-disciplinary thinking. Encouraging curiosity and questioning existing processes can spark breakthrough ideas.
2. Test Small, Scale Fast
   Pilot new initiatives on a small scale to minimize risk while gaining valuable insights. If successful, these pilots can be quickly scaled to broader implementation.
3. Redefine Success
   Recognize that not all innovation will lead to immediate success. Celebrate the lessons learned from “failures” and use them as stepping stones for future efforts.
4. Focus on Member Impact
   Ensure every innovation ties back to member and stakeholder needs, preferences, and challenges. Use data and feedback to validate ideas and refine implementation.

CODA

As associations face a world of accelerating change, the principles outlined by Zaninelli and Diefenbacher offer a framework for turning disruption into opportunity. By fostering a culture of exploration and execution, cultivating leadership and stewardship that champions innovation, and grounding all efforts in purpose, associations can evolve to meet future demands while staying true to their core mission.

For association leaders and professionals, the time to act is now.Innovation is no longer optional—it’s essential. Let the insights of Zaninelli and Diefenbacher serve as your guide in this transformative journey.

This blog was inspired by the work of Susanne M. Zaninelli and Stefan F. Diefenbacher in the book How to Create Innovation. Their insights provide invaluable guidance for associations seeking to navigate the complex terrain of the 21st century.