Chamber Leadership

In Dave Adkisson’s book, Horseshoes vs Chess (Chapter 1), he talks about the many different types of leadership styles chamber executives may possess and what that means.

I’m going to focus on four; Surrogate Leader, Catalytic Leader; Aspirational Leader, and Servant Leader.

Surrogate Leader – Dave talks about this style of leadership is for the metro chamber who is hired to manage complex issues dealing with the chamber, government, and the community at large.

Catalytic Leader – as describe in ACCE’s Horizon’s 2025 Initiative, this executive is described as a CEO who can accelerate change for the community.

Aspirational Leader – is the leader who always works to see things to improve, get better for the community.

Servant Leader – is the executive who leads from the middle (my term).  Dave talks about this type of leader must be able to lead out front or from behind.  As Dave states, “this leader is dedicated to a cause of building an effective chamber and improving one’s community is the best underlying indicator of a true servant leader.”

I’d suggest you don’t have to be tied to one leadership style.  It all depends on your situation at a given time.

It’s about adapting your style to make change for your chamber and community.

Leader vs. Manager in Chamber Management

The official definition according to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary:

• Leader - something that leads
• Manager - one that manages

I like to think of it as vision vs. tactics!

We need both leaders and managers to be successful organizations and our chambers are structured that way.

Do you have both?

This post isn’t about becoming one or the other. It’s about recognizing the difference and playing to the strengths of each.

Allow me to draw an analogy we are familiar with – The Strategic Plan.

Pull out your strategic plan. I bet it starts with your mission statement and a vision for what you want to be. But under that you have a objectives and tactics laid out in a bullet format to achieve that vision.

The leaders create the vision (your board), the managers execute the strategy and tactics (chamber staff).

In my 20+ years in the association management field, it’s critical to understand the difference for your chamber to be successful.

Once board and staff understands their role, the opportunities are endless!

Applications for Committee Participation

A strong volunteer structure ensures a successful chamber!

It has been said before our volunteers need to be the leaders in the community.

But in addition to that, they need to commit to your organization if they are to participate on a committee or your board.

At the very least, the following needs to be considered when selecting potential new committee members:

• Intellectually committed;
• Willing to participate (mandatory attendance on key meetings);
• A leader in the community; and
• Financial commitment.

If your volunteers don’t commit to the organization, why would your members? Remember, we are membership organizations.

Your members need to lead!

For an example on how one association handles the application process for committee participation go HERE.