During our chapter executives', editors' and presidents' sessions, we engaged in excellent discussions. We had great Q&A engagement and two-way communication. Through this process, it became evident that your participation is vital to the success of your chapters.
I recently read a column in Associations Now, from ASAE, regarding effective organizations and three important characteristics each share. The first is a strong strategic direction and orientation. It is easy for all of us to worry about day-to-day functions and focus solely on those. But successful organizations look at their mission and vision and put a plan in place to be current today and in the future.
The second characteristic is a culture of self-assessment and accountability. How can we help your chapter develop performance goals and objectives? Many times this is an internal component that can be transferred to your membership. As our field staff continues to work with chapters and develop strategic plans, it is our goal to ensure your board has internal goals, which will positively reflect on the goals for the chapter.
The third component is a healthy attention to board member recruitment and development. As we travel across the country and discuss recruiting new board members, the greatest challenge seems to be "taking time away from my course" or "not having enough time to serve." I am a strong advocate for having chapters create a board member expectation document. This outlines the expected amount of monthly time, expected duties, number of board meetings and committee involvement, to name a few. Once the information is broken down, members will realize the time commitment may only be a couple hours (max) per month.
Understanding expectations has been important for my personal service on various boards and committees. Although I travel a great deal, I've realized the importance of giving back and staying involved. The contacts I've made and the professional development have been very beneficial. Ultimately, involvement is up to us.
Upcoming schedule:
The following is a quick "Where's Steve?" update. I appreciate your comments and suggestions, in addition to requesting an update on my travel schedule. I hope to see you in the near future!
- Feb. 20-21: I will be with GCSAA Mid-Atlantic Representative Chase Rogan in Baltimore conducting a strategic planning session with the Eastern Shore GCSA.
- Feb. 25: I will be traveling to North Dakota to speak with members of the Northern Turfgrass Association at its annual show in Fargo.
- Feb. 27: From Fargo I head to Des Moines to speak at the Iowa Golf Summit. I'm excited to be part of this inaugural event. I am honored to speak with Rand Jerris of the USGA, Darrell Crall of the PGA of America, and Bill Withers, professor of communication arts at Wartburg College. I also look forward to participating in the Iowa GCSA board meeting Feb. 28.
- March 4-5: I will be speaking and meeting with the board at the South Dakota GCSA conference in Sioux Falls. Having lived and worked in the state, it is always great to reconnect with members from the region.
I also want to plug our upcoming chapter leaders/executives symposium. This is an annual event and will be held in Lawrence, Kan., March 11-12. Twenty-five chapters are invited to attend. The program will focus on leadership and team development. Participants will discuss tools to improve chapter effectiveness, operations and communications. It is a great education and networking opportunity.
I look forward to seeing many of you during our upcoming travels. And always, if there is any way we can assist, please contact us. Spring is just around the corner!
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