Have you heard your board talking about “going back to the way things used to be?” If so, don’t let them!
The pandemic accelerated trends that have been challenging associations for years. It also created a sense of urgency and provided a tailwind for needed change. If we “go back” (as many boards want to), we will have missed a once-in-a-century opportunity for significant innovation that positions our organizations more strongly for the future.
Instead of “going back,” encourage your board to develop a proactive “go forward” strategy. Here’s how:
- Any time you hear the words “go back,” gently replace them with “go forward.”
- Revisit your strategic plan. If the pandemic rendered any of it useless or irrelevant, revise as needed.
- Get staff committed to helping you “go forward.” Aligned teams are more effective.
- Picture the promise. What will you gain from your “go forward” strategy?
“Going back” is the path of least resistance. It also likely has a lower potential return on investment in the long run. “Going forward” may be harder but I’ve seen boards get energy and buy-in around building a “new and improved” post-pandemic organization.
You have a choice. Are you simply going to do the continued hard work of “going back” or are you willing to embrace the exciting, scary and exhilarating work of “going forward” in a new way? Those who choose the latter path are likely to experience greater wins—not just for the association but for the members they serve. Now is the time to be bold.
