Posts by Sherry Budziak
For Positive Outcomes, Hold a Mirror Up to Board Performance
Even with a friendly name like “feedback, check-in, or coaching,” a performance evaluation can be uncomfortable, or possibly downright scary. It’s not surprising if volunteers are reluctant to scrutinize themselves in the mirror. That’s probably why more organizations don’t have a process for evaluating the board of directors, or if they do, that assessment…
Read MoreWeave a Safety Net—Find the Right Strategic Partners
The pandemic was a wormhole. It hurtled us into the future with no time to prepare for that demanding new reality. I am still evaluating the lessons learned. One message that rings loud and clear is the importance of connections. Isolation taught us the value of the relationships and the technology that sustained our communities.…
Read MoreThought Leaders Blaze Trails of Discovery and Engagement
Until recently I knew zip about dog grooming, restoring vintage clothing, or Chinese cooking. While I might take a stab at making Shaking Beef, I’m still not going to style a Labradoodle or remove the stains from 50-year-old lace. But I have learned a few things about each of those topics. Why dive into subjects…
Read MoreDon’t Get Too Comfortable at the Top–AI Puts a Twist on Leadership
Congrats! You’re the CEO. Whether you’ve been in the big chair for years, or just reached your dream destination, don’t get comfortable. “Stuff” is coming your way. I don’t know exactly what your “Stuff” will be, but I promise surprises are part of the package. No leader expects an easy ride. The challenge is part…
Read MoreGood CEO, Bad Call—How to Recover
Martha Stewart took her company public in 1999 and became America’s first self-made female billionaire. Then, in December 2021, she acted on an illegal stock tip and was sentenced to five months in prison. You probably won’t become a billionaire and I don’t see any of my readers going to jail, but there is one…
Read MoreIgnite Engagement—Give Members Influence
One of social media’s powerful lessons is the impact of influencers on brand awareness. Whether it’s a van-lifer selling energy drinks or a dog groomer styling a cast of fluffy fur babies, real people using products in everyday life moves merch. So, who exactly is an influencer? Is it anyone whose persuasive story makes you…
Read MoreInternational Leadership, Women’s Issues, and Branding—A Conversation With Allison K. Summers, CAE
A summary of the Association 4.0 Podcast with Allison K. Summers. Summers talks about international leadership and women’s issues.
Read MoreMove DEI Beyond Words
The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Trye Nichols prompted vocal support for social justice throughout the business community. Organizations of all stripes were quick to issue statements confirming their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In 2020, the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) reported that following George Floyd’s death, 85% of organizations…
Read MoreBuild a Digital Ecology–Promote IT Collaboration Across Your Organization
We need another term for “digital transformation.” It sounds instantaneous—as if you could type a few commands and new software would magically turn your organization into a super-powered generator of member engagement and delight. If only it were that simple. Real “transformation” requires a commitment that goes beyond updated equipment. Becoming a digital organization means…
Read MoreHire Fresh Talent—But Before You Shop, Check the Fridge
You learn a lot about consumer preferences by reading the reviews on Yelp. Thousands of users are eager to tell you what they love and what makes them crazy. You don’t have to spend much time on the site to understand the difference between outstanding and dismal. Whether it’s a restaurant, hotel, or doctor’s office,…
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