Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/287205
Connections | Spring 2014 8 problem." If there was a rule that is so obvious but so often forgotten it is this one. Direct confrontation with a volunteer leader or person in power above us is often job suicide. If we were ever to have a rule tattooed somewhere on our person, this is the one. Always have your own group of lobbyists ready to help. While Rule #1 is the rule we must always remember Rule #12, "Make board orientation mandatory" is the one rule that makes all of the other rules work. Problematic board members are often the ones that missed the orientation. When executives realize how critical formal board orientation is to the overall operation of an organization and implement Rule #12, things begin to run very well. The moment board orientation is not a priority problems will begin anew. Are 157 rules too many? Yes, of course it's too many, but blame that on the enthusiasm of the two little girls who inspired this list. However, when we look at all of the leadership and management issues facing an organization executive, there could be three hundred or more rules! As a consultant to veteran executives in organization management I understand my role completely; I'm like a flashlight at high noon. It's the consultant's role to illuminate what you can already see. We need to regularly review what we have forgotten while new executives need a clear picture of what's coming down the line. This short review has focused on some of the early rules, but the last rule can be recognized by membership organization executives as even more important; Rule #157 "Teddy Roosevelt was right." This was T.R.'s rule, "Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere." When potential members challenge our value, go back to Rule #1 and put Teddy Roosevelt between you and the problem. Patrick H. McGaughey For more, go to www.activatingpeople.com or email pat@activatingpeople.com. Pat will present the 2-part session, 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management at the 2014 MSAE Mid-Year Conference, May 1st and 2nd. 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organixation Management (Continued from page 6) January Lunch & Learn Highlights Secretary of State Delbert Hosmann drew in a large number of association members anxious to hear how his 2014 agenda may affect the associations and/or their members. His position regarding the uniformity of state appointed licensure and governing boards drew great interest and several well- directed and well-answered questions. Members appreciated the time Hosemann spent afterwards addressing individual concerns and questions as well as sharing a few relaxed, relationship-building moments.