Sports, Culture, and Leadership Writing
Because it is so common in associations, you tend to hear the same advice and strategies on using your GR Committee when you go to trainings. I know because I have given it. Presenters tend to say things like “use your committee to form your grassroots and grass tops; identify future Board members from the members who… Continue reading BGov Article: Turning Your GR Committee Into An Asset
We like to think this way because it’s a cool way to think. We want (and want our associations to be) innovative and disruptive. Keeping the status quo and keeping an aging brand doesn’t get you a prime speaking slot at industry conferences or covered by news outlets. Modern association leaders are being told to… Continue reading Why Disruption is the Wrong Strategy for Associations – Bloomberg Government
My wife and I recently welcomed our third child into the world. After a month of spit-up, little sleep and poor posture, I can report that I have become a better association management professional. As I spend time with my newborn, whether it’s holding him to calm him down or lying next to him on… Continue reading BGov – What your board chair and my one month old have in common
Every year, associations take stands on controversial political issues that, at first glance, are seemingly unrelated to their core mission. Whether it is the AMA supporting gun restrictions, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) opposing religious freedom laws in Indiana, or the American Academy of Pediatrics supporting gay couples adopting children – to cite a… Continue reading Bloomberg Article – How to Convince Your Members to Support Your Controversial Political Stand
As government relations professionals, we have so many immediate concerns that deciding who our volunteer bosses will be down the line seems like a waste of time. Yet no group may be more important to your future legislative success than future board members. Consider the powers a board has – the ability to allocate funds… Continue reading My Article for Bloomberg Government on Prepping Your Board for Advocacy
It's holiday party season, which means one thing - tons of awkward conversations with people you barely know. The dreaded "small talk" is mastered by some people and despised by the rest of us. However, excelling in a social situation is something anyone can do. Over at Bloomberg Government's blog, I laid out five tips… Continue reading Five Tips for Better Small Talk… for Bloomberg
Robert Hay Jr. 