In this episode, Mike Bills, principal of MB Strategies and founder of the PureReinvention project, talks with Jim M. Nicholson, vice president of PVS Chemicals, Inc. and former chairman of the Michigan Manufacturers Association, about the role of individuals on the board of directors, board leadership and association culture.

 

 

DIG IN:

At 6:50 Jim says the biggest barrier in associations today is cultural momentum. He talks about how legacy and history cause associations to struggle with change and what key leaders need to do to help turn that around.

QUOTE IT:

At 8:58 Jim identifies a behavioral example of cultural momentum getting in the way of success.  “The formula for attracting membership for most associations has been the same for a long time. They typically have their membership recruiting strategies firmly planted in the 70s…What you don’t see enough of is getting out and being interpersonal with your membership.”

At 17:34 he explains how the board can support and nurture a more dynamic  association culture. “The Board’s real role is to point out the obvious. If you point out the obvious, the CEO has to respond to the obvious.”

TAKEAWAYS:

1 – There is a difference between a board member and board leaders.

2 – Each organization has its own cultural momentum that can be a barrier or launch pad.

3- The key role of a board is to serve as influential consultants. They need to regularly assess financial and behavioral cultural momentum.

4- A CEO has to be a flexible leader that shepherds the organization to reflect the make-up of the association.

Next episode:  January 12, 2015, Mike Bills Introduces key concepts of PureReinvention.

Produced by:  Will Carlson, WillPower Consulting (www.williamrcarlson.com)