Posted in Uncategorized, tagged CM Services, leadership, trust on May 10, 2010| Leave a Comment »
I find it curious that we celebrate our love for and appreciation of Mothers once a year on Mothers Day. After all, shouldn’t we show all mothers respect and appreciation daily? Come to think of it, shouldn’t we show all people respect and appreciation daily?
I think that’s the mantra we should all live by – treat everyone with respoct and appreciation daily.
What are your thoughts?
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged association management, CM Services, management, partnership on May 3, 2010| Leave a Comment »
There are many kinds of partnerships in life – friendships, marriages, customer-supplier relationships, employee-employee relationships and more. All of these “partnerships” can be complicated. For these partnerships to be successful, certain values must be present in both parties.
I think those values are:
1. Trust each other
2. Be committed to each other
3. Act respectfully and responsibly
4. Care for each other
5. Grow together and find Enjoyment in the relationship
It is difficult for anyone to live these values in all their “partnerships” daily. I am convinced however, in order for people to achieve greatness and happiness, they must strive to achieve these values.
What value do you find in successful partnerships?
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged associations, CM Services, energy, leadership, perspective, trust, vacation on April 5, 2010| Leave a Comment »
I must admit I am a workaholic – though I’ve gotten better over the years. Even before blackberries, iPhones and eMail I found a way to stay connected to my work during all hours but sleep, seven days a week.
Over the years I have been able to step away from work for a few hours at a time at least (mostly to spend time with my children).
Recently, I have learned from several successful leaders I know that everyone needs time away from work. Taking time away from work isn’t a weakness, but a strength. If you’re a workaholic like me, you are laughing in disbelief and asking how that’s possible – it doesn’t even make sense.
Here are a few examples of why taking time away from work is a sign of a strong leader:
1. It recharges the batteries – gives you renewed energy
2. It provides a different perspective to the leader
3. Sets a good example for your employee partners
4. Helps your family know it is important
5. Helps the leader balance his personal and work life
Do you take time away from work? Does it make you better at work?
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged associations, boards, CM Services, leadership, trust on March 22, 2010| Leave a Comment »
I believe that most successful trade associations have Boards of Directors that are not only functional but whose directors have developed trusting relationships amongst each other.
I have had the pleasure of seeing dozens of Boards of Directors interact with each other. Here are some of my observations about how Boards develop trusting relationships:
1. The members treat each other inside and outside the boardroom with respect both professionally and personally
2. The members begin every meeting sharing one recent business success and one recent personal success
3. Consent agendas are used allowing the Board to focus its time on mission critical issues, not administrative ones
4. The members keep the organization’s mission and strategic plan at the forefront of their minds in meetings
Tell me about some of the characteristics of the successful (or even unsuccessful) Boards you have seen.
Posted in CM Services, Volunteerism, tagged associations, CM Services, leadership, strategy on March 8, 2010| Leave a Comment »
One of the greatest challenges leaders face are distractions. Distractions cause leaders to take their “eye off the ball”. Distractions cause leaders to lose focus on their mission and strategies.
Distractions come in all shapes and sizes. Here are my top four:
1. Personnel issues
2. Demanding customers
3. Balancing work and family
4. Money
In the last eighteen months, many leaders have been distracted by economic conditions. These conditions have caused leaders to focus on expense reductions and major business model changes just to survive. Now it is time for leaders to re-focus on developing the strategies that will help their businesses succeed in the future.
Rick Church is Head Coach of CM Services, Inc. The Association Partnership Company. CM Services pioneered the concept of developing long-term partnerships with national and international trade associations and professional medical associations. Mr. Church has published articles and given presentations about association leaders (both volunteer and paid). Mr. Church served as president of the Association Management Company Institute (AMCi). While on AMCi's Board of Directors, Mr. Church was very involved in the development of the AMCi/ANSI standard for Association Management Companies and the AMCi certification program based on that standard.
Associations, Volunteerism and More 