Everyone I run into in the meetings world seems to be stressed about sagging attendance at their meetings, or about what they expect to be sagging attendance at their meetings. I, admittedly, am quite stressed out about this too.
The thing is, when you are feeling down and out about your work (or anything in life, for that matter), where do you want to go? Who do you want to talk to? Most likely, it’s people who either are going through, or have been in, the same situation you are. You want people who understand, and who, maybe, just maybe, might have some good ideas about how you might get yourself out of whatever mess you’re in.
My theory is, if I can show my members that not only can they find some comfort, but also some hope, in coming to our meeting, that might be the ticket. Obviously, we don’t want a pity party, but by sharing the experiences of what we are all going through in a specific context of our lives, maybe we can find the hope we need to get through. Maybe, if we talk enough, listen enough and think hard enough, maybe we can even come up with something better than what we have.
I think associations have the power of community at their back. Now it is time to leverage it.
3.07.2009
2.15.2009
this economy sucks
A sentiment shared by many I'm sure. It's challenging at home too since my husband lobbies in the financial services industry. I find myself frequently pelting him with questions just to get a better handle on what and why things are happening. Recently, I asked somewhat rhetorically, "When are the people who got us into this mess going to suffer the consequences of their actions?" Maybe it was an elementary question, which is probably why I got a deer-in-headlights look back from my husband. I know the answer is never, and that the blame could be spread amongst such a vast amount of people that there's simply no logical way to dole out justice, but it just doesn't seem right.
I was talking to a friend recently who said she had to believe that there is something greater for all of us to learn from this experience. I agree. I also think there is a terrific lesson to be learned in discerning our wants from our needs. But I think it also needs to be tempered with a plan-for-the-future-but-live-like-tomorrow's-your-last-day perspective. I'm not sure how you teach that kind of balance though.
I was talking to a friend recently who said she had to believe that there is something greater for all of us to learn from this experience. I agree. I also think there is a terrific lesson to be learned in discerning our wants from our needs. But I think it also needs to be tempered with a plan-for-the-future-but-live-like-tomorrow's-your-last-day perspective. I'm not sure how you teach that kind of balance though.
new year's resolutions
I've never been one to make a list of resolutions, mostly because I'm leery of trying to tie change to a time of year. There are two things that I've been wanting to work on though, this year, that I started thinking about well before the new year.
The first item was something I've wanted to do a long time - cut soda out of my diet. There's nothing good about soda - the sugar, or artificial sweetener, citric acid, chemicals, etc. I had a health instructor in college who said, "If you wouldn't take a shower in soda, why would you shower the inside of your body with it?" Sure, you could apply that to a number of things, but that mental image has stuck with me for the last 13 years. Obviously, this has been a long time coming.
So far, I've done okay. Three times, I've succumbed to the craving - usually after watching someone consume it in my house. Once, I had one at a party - it was the only thing available. Six weeks into the new year, I'm doing pretty well.
My other resolution was to reach out to people more. I have a lot of acquaintances and new-ish friends that I really want, and need, to get to know. For those who don't know me, this is really hard. Once upon a time, I would easily come up with excuses not to do something. I started to break out of my shell when I was asked to be on a steering committee at church. The commitment thing, and the God/calling thing, kept me going as hard as it was. From there, things picked up. I met my husband, a very social person, and started beating back my fears and insecurities. I became more involved with my professional association. I forced myself to go to networking receptions, as scary and painful as they initially seemed.
So here I am today. Many of my closest friends live far away. I'd like, and I need, to build some relationships closer to home. Since New Year's Eve, I've managed to schedule and follow through on three meetups with friends/acquaintances. And the great part about it is not only how much better I feel after actually doing it, but also the good feelings that emanate simply from having connected with others. It's incredibly fulfilling and a real accomplishment for me. I'm setting a goal to do this at least once a month.
The first item was something I've wanted to do a long time - cut soda out of my diet. There's nothing good about soda - the sugar, or artificial sweetener, citric acid, chemicals, etc. I had a health instructor in college who said, "If you wouldn't take a shower in soda, why would you shower the inside of your body with it?" Sure, you could apply that to a number of things, but that mental image has stuck with me for the last 13 years. Obviously, this has been a long time coming.
So far, I've done okay. Three times, I've succumbed to the craving - usually after watching someone consume it in my house. Once, I had one at a party - it was the only thing available. Six weeks into the new year, I'm doing pretty well.
My other resolution was to reach out to people more. I have a lot of acquaintances and new-ish friends that I really want, and need, to get to know. For those who don't know me, this is really hard. Once upon a time, I would easily come up with excuses not to do something. I started to break out of my shell when I was asked to be on a steering committee at church. The commitment thing, and the God/calling thing, kept me going as hard as it was. From there, things picked up. I met my husband, a very social person, and started beating back my fears and insecurities. I became more involved with my professional association. I forced myself to go to networking receptions, as scary and painful as they initially seemed.
So here I am today. Many of my closest friends live far away. I'd like, and I need, to build some relationships closer to home. Since New Year's Eve, I've managed to schedule and follow through on three meetups with friends/acquaintances. And the great part about it is not only how much better I feel after actually doing it, but also the good feelings that emanate simply from having connected with others. It's incredibly fulfilling and a real accomplishment for me. I'm setting a goal to do this at least once a month.
6.18.2008
some really cool blogs
Yeah, I've been delinquent. I know. But I'm gearing up again.
Wanted to share these great blogs from some of our youngest advocates on Capitol Hill. Read about their adventures as they lobby their congressmen and senators:
Cedric Walker's blog, HSC Pediatric Center, Washington, DC
Anna Ives' blog, LeBonheur Children's Medical Center, Memphis, TN (this one includes some video posts too!)
Our advocacy blogs were featured in a recent issue of Associations Now. Just a really cool project I wanted to share.
Wanted to share these great blogs from some of our youngest advocates on Capitol Hill. Read about their adventures as they lobby their congressmen and senators:
Cedric Walker's blog, HSC Pediatric Center, Washington, DC
Anna Ives' blog, LeBonheur Children's Medical Center, Memphis, TN (this one includes some video posts too!)
Our advocacy blogs were featured in a recent issue of Associations Now. Just a really cool project I wanted to share.
2.07.2008
conference content created by you
I had a general session speaker back out for a conference later this year, and have spent the last few weeks trying to figure out how I am going to fill it. Inspired by the Technology Conference, I'm considering having the attendees create the session themselves.
I am thinking about starting a wiki that would ask members and attendees to contribute their best ideas on the conference topic. Visitors to the site would rate them, and those that are rated highest would be asked to present during this general session.
The risks in doing this are: a) no one will participate in the wiki; b) no one will vote on the ideas; c) attendees won't know which ideas are going to get presented at the session, and won't stick around for it; d) there is no precedent for this in our association and it will take a lot of time to get this off the ground - more than I have; e) this will be wildly successful and we won't have created the proper infrastructure to support it.
Fortunately, of all of our conferences, I think this one has the audience that would most likely participate in this exercise. And, I have more flexibility in designing this conference than other programs. I just have to figure out how to make this work, and how to sell the idea.
I am thinking about starting a wiki that would ask members and attendees to contribute their best ideas on the conference topic. Visitors to the site would rate them, and those that are rated highest would be asked to present during this general session.
The risks in doing this are: a) no one will participate in the wiki; b) no one will vote on the ideas; c) attendees won't know which ideas are going to get presented at the session, and won't stick around for it; d) there is no precedent for this in our association and it will take a lot of time to get this off the ground - more than I have; e) this will be wildly successful and we won't have created the proper infrastructure to support it.
Fortunately, of all of our conferences, I think this one has the audience that would most likely participate in this exercise. And, I have more flexibility in designing this conference than other programs. I just have to figure out how to make this work, and how to sell the idea.
2.06.2008
if you're not energized, you might be living under a rock
Whatever your persuasion, if you aren't energized by the engagement of the American public in the political process this year, you might want to check your pulse. Some stats I've heard in the media today:
More than three times as many Americans under age 30 in Georgia voted yesterday than did in 2004.
Five times as many New Yorkers under 30 voted yesterday.
More people voted yesterday than on Super Tuesday 1968 - the last time that we saw these historic levels of voter turnout.
Imagine what we could accomplish if only we had this kind of engagement more than once every 40 years.
More than three times as many Americans under age 30 in Georgia voted yesterday than did in 2004.
Five times as many New Yorkers under 30 voted yesterday.
More people voted yesterday than on Super Tuesday 1968 - the last time that we saw these historic levels of voter turnout.
Imagine what we could accomplish if only we had this kind of engagement more than once every 40 years.
best quote heard in my house in a while
Dad says to our daughter this morning...
"Nooooo.... don't eat THAT cheerio. We don't know if came out of your diaper!"
"Nooooo.... don't eat THAT cheerio. We don't know if came out of your diaper!"
2.01.2008
live posting/commenting
Maddie's questions make me think of those scrolling message displays sometimes seen at concerts... (yeah, as a new mom, I haven't been to one in ages, but I do occasionally live vicariously through concert goers on TV).
What if the conference had a scrolling chat display at the sessions (ALL the sessions) that allowed participants to comment on the presentation as it happens?
Putting my conference planner hat on for a moment...
I'd test run that in a session or two first... but it could be fun.
What if the conference had a scrolling chat display at the sessions (ALL the sessions) that allowed participants to comment on the presentation as it happens?
Putting my conference planner hat on for a moment...
I'd test run that in a session or two first... but it could be fun.
are you ready for web 2.0?
I just listened in on a session about this topic, where the presenter accurately noted that it's not about the technology you use, it's about the value it brings to the members. Not surprisingly, the question came up, "What if someone says something bad about you on your own association's blog?"
I didn't get a chance to answer that question, and quite frankly, I didn't feel like yelling from the back of the room, so here is my response:
1. I'd rather have someone criticize me on my blog, than to start a blog elsewhere and criticize me. At least I'd know right away, and I'd be positioned to do something about it.
2. No one, trust me, no one wants to read a glossy, glowing, triple-proofed blog about how great your association is. Controversy and intellectual discussion will drive people to your site. Dissent is useful! And it raises the bar...
3. Your members and your readers will have much more respect for your association if you allow - dare I say - encourage, diverse points of view on your site.
4. Encouraging diverse perspectives on your blog may actually help you do something about the lack of your diversity in your association (an issue that many, many associations face, but don't know how to address).
I think ASAE's Acronym blog is an excellent example of how this works. And works well.
I didn't get a chance to answer that question, and quite frankly, I didn't feel like yelling from the back of the room, so here is my response:
1. I'd rather have someone criticize me on my blog, than to start a blog elsewhere and criticize me. At least I'd know right away, and I'd be positioned to do something about it.
2. No one, trust me, no one wants to read a glossy, glowing, triple-proofed blog about how great your association is. Controversy and intellectual discussion will drive people to your site. Dissent is useful! And it raises the bar...
3. Your members and your readers will have much more respect for your association if you allow - dare I say - encourage, diverse points of view on your site.
4. Encouraging diverse perspectives on your blog may actually help you do something about the lack of your diversity in your association (an issue that many, many associations face, but don't know how to address).
I think ASAE's Acronym blog is an excellent example of how this works. And works well.
can you see me now?
I became a Mac convert just this past year and have since discovered Skype. It's been wonderful for communicating with family members who live in the U.K., thanks to the Mac's built-in webcam. It's the first time I've made routine use of a webcam. And it's been a blessing to have this with a young daughter who rarely gets to see her extended family, and vice-versa.
So, in a conversation at lunch about virtual offices, it occurred to me that much of the objection to telecommuting seems to exist because managers can't see that you are working if you are working from home. Never mind that they can't see that if you are in your office with the door closed. But what if virtual workers all had webcams installed? Not only would that help telecommuters with the internal relationship building, but it would also provide the capacity to conduct visual conversations with members. You could even put something like this to work for you.
So, in a conversation at lunch about virtual offices, it occurred to me that much of the objection to telecommuting seems to exist because managers can't see that you are working if you are working from home. Never mind that they can't see that if you are in your office with the door closed. But what if virtual workers all had webcams installed? Not only would that help telecommuters with the internal relationship building, but it would also provide the capacity to conduct visual conversations with members. You could even put something like this to work for you.
how productive could you be?
Being a mom, I have a whole new understanding of productivity. And a new method of prioritizing my schedule. I'm always looking for tools that allow me to accomplish more in less time.
I was intrigued to listen to a presentation by Erica Driver of Forrester Research this morning. She discussed the seven tenets of the information workplace. One of the statistics she presented was that approximately 40% of organizations are considering evaluating the roles of information workers to determine how their needs differ based on those roles.
I was a little surprised and disappointed by that statistic. With the rapid changes in technology that are changing how we work, it seems like this should be a higher priority for most organizations. The fact is, the integration of productivity enhancers in the work environment can accomplish multiple goals. More work gets done, in less time, expanding the opportunity for innovation. Communication between workers is accelerated, and can happen from just about anywhere - which has its own implications for reducing overhead through telecommuting, making (some) employees happier, reducing the environmental impact of commuting employees. And frankly, if I have the information I need to do my job, or at least what exists, it makes me a happy employee. And I wonder, if we were doing a better job of this, would we be better positioned to maximize our staff's talents?
I was intrigued to listen to a presentation by Erica Driver of Forrester Research this morning. She discussed the seven tenets of the information workplace. One of the statistics she presented was that approximately 40% of organizations are considering evaluating the roles of information workers to determine how their needs differ based on those roles.
I was a little surprised and disappointed by that statistic. With the rapid changes in technology that are changing how we work, it seems like this should be a higher priority for most organizations. The fact is, the integration of productivity enhancers in the work environment can accomplish multiple goals. More work gets done, in less time, expanding the opportunity for innovation. Communication between workers is accelerated, and can happen from just about anywhere - which has its own implications for reducing overhead through telecommuting, making (some) employees happier, reducing the environmental impact of commuting employees. And frankly, if I have the information I need to do my job, or at least what exists, it makes me a happy employee. And I wonder, if we were doing a better job of this, would we be better positioned to maximize our staff's talents?
1.31.2008
wikis + strategy = a good idea
I am attending ASAE's Technology Conference today and tomorrow and had the opportunity to hear Anthony Williams, coauthor of Wikinomics. I thought one of the ideas that was presented was particularly interesting - the idea of using a wiki to design corporate strategy.
Think about it... strategic planning is usually left up to senior staff. And that's probably for a few reasonable (though not great) reasons - the time to integrate everyone's opinion can be prohibitive, and in some cases, maybe the senior staff have an insider's view into the industry (and the correlating connections) that enables them to more quickly assess the needs of the organization and industry. You could come up with a host of reasons.
Using a wiki to develop strategy would allow you to engage the minds of staff who are engaged and enthusiastic about the mission of the organization to have a hand in the direction of the organization. Using a wiki would allow you to diversify the voices that are influencing the direction of the organization. Using a wiki... you would never stop - your strategy could continuously evolve.
I love, love, love this idea.
Think about it... strategic planning is usually left up to senior staff. And that's probably for a few reasonable (though not great) reasons - the time to integrate everyone's opinion can be prohibitive, and in some cases, maybe the senior staff have an insider's view into the industry (and the correlating connections) that enables them to more quickly assess the needs of the organization and industry. You could come up with a host of reasons.
Using a wiki to develop strategy would allow you to engage the minds of staff who are engaged and enthusiastic about the mission of the organization to have a hand in the direction of the organization. Using a wiki would allow you to diversify the voices that are influencing the direction of the organization. Using a wiki... you would never stop - your strategy could continuously evolve.
I love, love, love this idea.
1.22.2008
eight things...
My pal Ben tagged me ages ago (in blog years...) with this meme. What don't you know about me? Geez... let's give it a try.
1. I love to bargain shop. Maybe that is clear from my Facebook page, but I even clip coupons occasionally for groceries. I think my husband thinks I'm nuts, but it's like a game to me.
2. I can be very competitive, which seems to surprise people often - I have no clue why! Of course, you, my dear reader, probably figured that out from #1.
3. I was the editor of my high school newspaper. While I'm not perfect, misspellings drive me crazy. I can spot 'em a mile away. My flaw? Commas. I overuse them.
4. I can now make up verses to "Wheels on the Bus" on the fly. I've gone as many as 12 without repeating!
5. I was totally bummed when Bob Barker left The Price Is Right. I always wanted to get on that game show.
6. Some of my early career jobs included working in drug rehab clinics, mental health clinics and hospitals and a hospice. I learned a lot.
7. My favorite wedding gift, besides my amazing husband, was my Kitchen Aid stand mixer. I find baking to be therapeutic.
8. I have been kissed by Richard Simmons. Yes, it's true.
1. I love to bargain shop. Maybe that is clear from my Facebook page, but I even clip coupons occasionally for groceries. I think my husband thinks I'm nuts, but it's like a game to me.
2. I can be very competitive, which seems to surprise people often - I have no clue why! Of course, you, my dear reader, probably figured that out from #1.
3. I was the editor of my high school newspaper. While I'm not perfect, misspellings drive me crazy. I can spot 'em a mile away. My flaw? Commas. I overuse them.
4. I can now make up verses to "Wheels on the Bus" on the fly. I've gone as many as 12 without repeating!
5. I was totally bummed when Bob Barker left The Price Is Right. I always wanted to get on that game show.
6. Some of my early career jobs included working in drug rehab clinics, mental health clinics and hospitals and a hospice. I learned a lot.
7. My favorite wedding gift, besides my amazing husband, was my Kitchen Aid stand mixer. I find baking to be therapeutic.
8. I have been kissed by Richard Simmons. Yes, it's true.
12.26.2007
growing pains
Well, it seems I'm down to just one post a month. At least it's for good reason. Working on this graduate project is sucking every last bit of extra energy I have. Keeping up with a 15 month old, school, and full-time work leaves about 10 minutes every day to play my new addiction, Scrabulous on Facebook. (And if you're a fan, feel free to start a game with me - I'm always looking for distractions!)
More important, though, I'm discovering, is the opportunity to take what I have learned over the last 4-5 years about organizational development and apply it to a consulting project. I can't disclose the details of the project... yet. I hope to someday. But it is incredibly fascinating to apply OD theory to this project. And to finally have a good reason to read the literature I've wanted to read.
But it is painful. It's painful to take my daughter to daycare while I sit at home on my Mac at the dining room table pecking away at a 30+ page proposal. It's painful to look at the living room strewn with toys. It's painful to refuse opportunities offered to me so that I can finish school. It's painful to have to schedule a date with my husband weeks in advance. It's painful to not spend the afternoon at the park. It's painful not to spend Sunday afternoon cooking dinner, instead picking up a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store.
I hope the pain is worth it. I don't know yet that I'm going to do anything specific with this degree - like becoming an OD consultant. I've found the curriculum to be incredibly useful in everyday work. I think I'm becoming a more effective team leader, boss, employee, association executive, with my OD skills. Everything leads to something, that's for sure.
But I sure can't wait for an afternoon at the park, followed by a big homemade lasagna dinner. Soon.
More important, though, I'm discovering, is the opportunity to take what I have learned over the last 4-5 years about organizational development and apply it to a consulting project. I can't disclose the details of the project... yet. I hope to someday. But it is incredibly fascinating to apply OD theory to this project. And to finally have a good reason to read the literature I've wanted to read.
But it is painful. It's painful to take my daughter to daycare while I sit at home on my Mac at the dining room table pecking away at a 30+ page proposal. It's painful to look at the living room strewn with toys. It's painful to refuse opportunities offered to me so that I can finish school. It's painful to have to schedule a date with my husband weeks in advance. It's painful to not spend the afternoon at the park. It's painful not to spend Sunday afternoon cooking dinner, instead picking up a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store.
I hope the pain is worth it. I don't know yet that I'm going to do anything specific with this degree - like becoming an OD consultant. I've found the curriculum to be incredibly useful in everyday work. I think I'm becoming a more effective team leader, boss, employee, association executive, with my OD skills. Everything leads to something, that's for sure.
But I sure can't wait for an afternoon at the park, followed by a big homemade lasagna dinner. Soon.
11.30.2007
rock on lisa!
And it happened so fast! Thanks to Lisa Junker, ASAE's Acronym blogger - whom I have yet to meet face-to-face, but with whom I have interacted frequently online. Lisa is my 100th connection on LinkedIn. I look forward to the day we meet!
11.29.2007
nearing 100 in my network...
Following in the footsteps of my friend Ben Martin, I took the challenge to build my Linked In network. And now I'm just 2 away from crossing the 100 threshold! If you know me, link to me!
11.21.2007
being thanked
Yes, we should all be giving thanks... it's probably coincidental timing though that this morning I received a thank you note from ASAE. It congratulated me on 10 years of membership and thanked me for my contributions. Yes, I joined, fresh out of college in my first association job, at the encouragement of my then-CEO Barbara Belmont.
Given that so few of us actually stick around in a job for 10 years, it was nice to know that someone noticed my longevity in the association space. This is such a great idea. And easy! Have you thanked your members lately?
Given that so few of us actually stick around in a job for 10 years, it was nice to know that someone noticed my longevity in the association space. This is such a great idea. And easy! Have you thanked your members lately?
11.19.2007
caring for others
In an internal workshop on generational diversity a few weeks ago, our speaker, Jamie Notter, discussed an example of a generational conflict in the workplace. In essence, the example illustrated two coworkers at odds - one who valued "talk time" and one who wanted to get down to business. There was more to it than that, but this is the piece that spoke to me.
I've always seen myself as the get-down-to-business type. Yes, I think I'm pretty good at socializing when I need to, but my patience for chit-chat when a business agenda is at hand is pretty marginal. There's a lot of value in getting to know your colleagues, but I think there's a time and a place - usually on the periphery of work. And, even more, I was taught that you just don't discuss personal topics with coworkers - you never know when it might come back to bite you. And now, with a baby at home and school after hours, my preference is to just focus on work at work.
Recently, I've discovered just how much other people value that kind of engagement. I've struggled in relationships with people who place a lot of value on interpersonal relationships and exchanges. But, I realized that it's not so much about sharing personal information; it seems like it's mostly about demonstrating that you care. When you ask questions (not of the too personal type, of course) about other peoples' lives, you show that you care about them as a person. When you share your life, you show that you are human. It seems quite obvious, but it was an eye-opener for me when the light bulb switched on. And, thought it's early to judge, it has seemed to make a significant difference in my relationships when I recently made an effort to take an interest in others' lives. I think it may even make life easier when conflict arises with those individuals.
Something to give thanks for this week.
(Oh, and by the way, Jamie's presentation was terrific!)
I've always seen myself as the get-down-to-business type. Yes, I think I'm pretty good at socializing when I need to, but my patience for chit-chat when a business agenda is at hand is pretty marginal. There's a lot of value in getting to know your colleagues, but I think there's a time and a place - usually on the periphery of work. And, even more, I was taught that you just don't discuss personal topics with coworkers - you never know when it might come back to bite you. And now, with a baby at home and school after hours, my preference is to just focus on work at work.
Recently, I've discovered just how much other people value that kind of engagement. I've struggled in relationships with people who place a lot of value on interpersonal relationships and exchanges. But, I realized that it's not so much about sharing personal information; it seems like it's mostly about demonstrating that you care. When you ask questions (not of the too personal type, of course) about other peoples' lives, you show that you care about them as a person. When you share your life, you show that you are human. It seems quite obvious, but it was an eye-opener for me when the light bulb switched on. And, thought it's early to judge, it has seemed to make a significant difference in my relationships when I recently made an effort to take an interest in others' lives. I think it may even make life easier when conflict arises with those individuals.
Something to give thanks for this week.
(Oh, and by the way, Jamie's presentation was terrific!)
10.24.2007
a resource that worked
I am way overdue in sharing the big wins from our annual meeting. One of the most well-received things I have ever done at a meeting was this year's onsite program. We called it a learning guide. We slimmed it down, page-wise (to reduce waste), cut out speaker bios, spiral-bound it, added in note-taking areas for each timeslot and, best of all, put the schedule-at-a-glance on the back cover. Over and over, attendees remarked to me and our staff about how much they loved the new piece. I've even had two attendees email me post-conference lamenting their loss of the "workbook" on their way home.
When was the last time someone actually noticed a publication you did?
Interested in seeing it? I provided it to ASAE's Knowledge Center as a resource. Search NACHRI from their Web site. It's the top result.
When was the last time someone actually noticed a publication you did?
Interested in seeing it? I provided it to ASAE's Knowledge Center as a resource. Search NACHRI from their Web site. It's the top result.
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