Downloaded 10 times
![Leader Succession
Resources
• Powering Up Your Chapter Leaders Succession Planning [Webinar]
• How to Build a Chapter Leadership Pipeline [Blog]
• How to Attract Chapter Volunteers: Solutions to 8 Excuses for Not
Participating [Blog]
• Power-up Your Chapter’s Succession Planning [Blog]
• How to Retain Chapter Leaders by Preventing Burnout & Turnover
[Blog]
• Watch The Fundamentals of Fun](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/crplovewebinarfeb2022final-220224195219/95/Sending-CRPs-Some-Love-Our-Best-Chapter-Resources-12-638.jpg)
Uploaded byBillhighway
Sending CRPs Some Love: Our Best Chapter Resources
The document discusses resources and strategies to support chapter leaders in achieving their goals for 2022, with a focus on leadership succession, event planning, training, and chapter buy-in for new technology. It highlights the main challenges faced by chapters, including leader succession and event execution, and provides various resources like webinars and blogs to enhance chapter operations. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of measuring chapter performance and proving their value to ensure sustained engagement and effectiveness.
More Related Content
Similar to Sending CRPs Some Love: Our Best Chapter Resources
Sending CRPs Some Love: Our Best Chapter Resources
- 1. Sending CRPs SomeLove: Our Best Chapter Resources
- 2. What is yourbig goal for 2022? Chat
- 3. What tech toolswill help lessen the administrative burden on my chapter leaders? How do I provide better resources and support to my volunteers? Ask the Hosts…
- 4. Upcoming Events MARCH Let’s CelebrateOur Chapter Volunteers Idea Swap March 23 @ 12-1 PM ET APRIL The Webinar You Need to Get Your Leaders Onboard with New Tech Webinar April 19 @ 12-1 PM ET MAY What do CEOs, Membership & Members Think of Chapters? MM&C Conference May 17 @ 3:45-4:30 PM ET
- 5. What’s your biggestchapter challenge this year?
- 6. Leadership Succession 02 Readiness forthe Job (how do we train & develop) 03 Listening & Coaching 04 Chapter Buy-in Top 6 Challenges Facing CRPs (& Chapter Leaders) 05 Chapter Events (& Virtual) 06 Benchmarking & Dashboards (confirm/prove chapter value) 01
- 7.
- 8. *2022 Chapter BenchmarkingReport Low Performing Chapters = Poor Leader Succession
- 9. Vacant Leadership Positions Emptyleadership ladder. No one wants to step up. Succession Issues Recycled Leadership Same old faces. Stale leadership. Risk of burnout. AWOL Leader Chapter president vanished. Other officers hesitant to step in. Unexpected Departure of Leader Illness, death, personal emergency…can be hard to fill position quickly depending on notice.
- 10. #1 Leader Succession Howcan I make the chapter leadership experience more enticing?
- 11. Shift the Model •Flip the volunteer model • Start with the volunteer, not the position • Provide new model Develop Talent • Shift to talent development • Change the vernacular Make it Fun! • Make volunteering fun again! • Lighten the load for chapter volunteers • Provide coaching Transform the Experience
- 12. Leader Succession Resources • PoweringUp Your Chapter Leaders Succession Planning [Webinar] • How to Build a Chapter Leadership Pipeline [Blog] • How to Attract Chapter Volunteers: Solutions to 8 Excuses for Not Participating [Blog] • Power-up Your Chapter’s Succession Planning [Blog] • How to Retain Chapter Leaders by Preventing Burnout & Turnover [Blog] • Watch The Fundamentals of Fun
- 13. #2 Chapter Events &(Virtual)
- 16. #2 Chapter Events Howdo I help my chapters with event logistics & in-person decisions?
- 17. Every chapter facesthe same event challenges. Decide on the purpose and content. 01 02 03 04 Decide which type of event to host: in-person, hybrid, or virtual. Design the attendee experience (consider safety, format, networking, revenue partners, etc.) Market & execute
- 18. Integrate Audiences Bridge thetwo events Rapid Succession 1-2 punch: Day 1 virtual, Day 2 (3…) in-person workshops Play with hybrid options
- 19. Share info thatis relevant info & ideas as well as successful events. Be a curator Safe meetings, hybrid meetings, meeting in a box Prepare toolkits & templates Go beyond giving a list to training how. Teach how to use technology Create event calendar to share to all members Share chapter events How can CRPs support chapters?
- 20. Curate Existing Lists Set UpDirectory Provide Speakers Sharing speakers from national or chapters events. Don’t forget staff & national leaders as options. Spreadsheet, searchable database, or a field in the member profile. Offer a speakers series or provide training to help find effective speakers. 3 Ways to Help Find Speakers
- 21. Event Resources • Whatthe Experts Say About In-Person Chapter Events for 2021 • How CRPs Can Support Chapters with Virtual and In-Person Event Decisions and Design • Safe Meetings Guide • A Return to Meetings: COVID Protocol Document • Engagement Boxes Add a Helpful Analog Experience to Online Learning • Advice for Engaging Virtual Conference Attendees • Virtual Meetings? Let’s Make Them Engaging! • Chapter Tech Edition: A Few of Our Favorite Chapter Tools for 2021 • ATD Converting your classroom to virtual • 5 Tips for Converting Face-to-Face Training to Virtual Training
- 22. Event Resources • HowChapters are Creating Memorable Virtual Experiences for Members • Pivoting Your Chapter Leadership Conference to Virtual • The Attendee’s Learning Journey Begins, Not Ends, with Your Virtual Conference • Virtual Meetings: 7 Resources • New Ideas for Online Learning Programs When You Don’t Have the Resources to Design a Course • How to Get Chapters Started with Virtual Events • The Complete Guide to Virtual Event Creation • Virtual Meetings? Let’s Make Them Engaging • 5 Tips for Chapters Doing Virtual Meetings #NoFear • How to develop virtual networking opportunities
- 23. Event Resources • Banthe Boring Virtual Meeting • Turn your average remote events into engaging virtual experiences • Give your team the direction they need to hold successful virtual events • Virtual Ice Breakers • Bye, Boring Trainings! How to Make Learning & Development Interactive with Zoom • Upgrade Your Zoom Backgrounds • How Virtual Events Help Sponsors Achieve Their Marketing Goals— and Chapters Achieve Their Revenue Goals • How Virtual Events Help Chapters Recover Sponsorship Revenue from Cancelled Events • 10 Ways to Make Your Virtual Events Not Suck • Computing Associations Offers Virtual Meetings Best Practices Guide
- 24. #3 Readiness forthe Job (compelling training & development)
- 25.
- 26. #3 Training &Development How can I enhance the training experience?
- 27. Tie Motivations toLearning
- 28. Autonomy & self-directed learning…portal,on- demand, worksheets Inclusion of life experiences Practical application with focus on achieving goals…tools, case studies, problem-solving Follow Adult Learner Practices 01 02 03
- 29. Map your pathway & scenarios Gathera focus group of volunteers to help Ask volunteers – what do you want to learn? Id what volunteers need to know Let effectives practices in chapter management, operations, and governance guide here. Plot a course Go big or go small … importance is understanding the priorities and the resources at hand 01 02 03 Consider the learner journey
- 30. Get the WhitePaper! https://bit.ly/3y8DCJo
- 31. Training Resources Downloadthe Volunteer Learning Journey White Paper & check out all the resources! Watch Let’s Reboot Volunteer Training Check out advice in Where to Start in Training Volunteers Download The Feedback Alternative: FeedForward for a look at shifting to a coaching role to develop volunteer Listen to the Webinar on Pivoting Leadership Conference to Virtual Read 4 Stories from associations on shifting training Read Chapter Training: Available at the moment of need Read more on Adult Learning: Adult Learning 101 for Edupreneurs and How to Lead a Masterclass: Effective Strategies for Teaching Adult Learners
- 32.
- 33. #4 How do Iroll out new tech & programming to my chapters? Getting Buy-in
- 34. Key Considerations ifYou’re Looking to Change Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Disrupt or Die Discuss problems and the impact of on members and volunteer leaders Acknowledge Obstacles Discuss the obstacles standing in the way of achieving their goals and delivering value to members Discuss Solutions Encourage them to propose solutions and offer ideas Step 5 Include Chapters Invite chapter leaders to be a part of the solution Talk it through Making it a topic of discussion across several meetings
- 35. Take a “Trickle-Up”Approach Pick a Program Showcase it nationally. Gauge interest from other chapters. Roll It Out Roll a program out and test how effective and successful it is for your chapters. Brainstorm w/ Chapters Id successful chapter created programs which address common challenges across chapters. Make a Choice Do you want to be a ‘driver’ or ‘facilitator’? Which will work best within your organization?
- 36. 1 Get rid ofthe ‘us vs. them’ mentality Re-educate national colleagues & volunteer leaders on the value of chapters. Share chapter success stories. Strategic asset, not another group to manage. Build Trust >> Repair Your Relationship With Chapters 2 Try transparency yourself Find out what isn’t clear about the way your org works. Allow chapters to see how board meetings are run via video update from the board. 3 Make it personal Put faces to the names of their national staff. Get together with chapters in person when possible (road trip, HQ retreat, 1 day conference). 4 Partners communicate frequently Establish regular communication habits with your chapters (weekly email check-in, quarterly phone call or web conference). #ChapterLove
- 37. The Webinar YouNeed to Get Your Leaders Onboard with New Tech April 19th 12 – 1 pm EST Learn Your Tech Psychology!
- 38. Tech Resources WatchChapter Tech Edition: A Few of Our Favorite Chapter Tools for 2021 Listen to Chapter Technology Tools You Can’t Live Without Watch Tech Your Chapters: Providing Chapter Technology Tools Read Chapter Tech Tools for Creating Visual Content Read Chapter Tech Tools for Collecting Chapter Data Read Chapter Tech Tools for Providing Resources to Chapter Leaders Read Implementing Chapter Technology Doesn't Have to be Difficult Read Signs that Standardizing Chapter Technology May Be for You
- 39. Programming Resources WatchTaking a ‘Trickle Up’ Approach to Chapter Engagement Programs Watch Bright Spots: What’s Working and How Can We Do More of It? Read How an Idea Went from Pilot to Chapter Buy-in to Success Read See a Chapter Bright Spot? Propagate it! Read Let Bright Spots Shine: How to Share Exceptional Chapter Behavior & Practices Read Member Engagement: The Best Engagement Program for Your Chapters Read Chapter Member Engagement: Components as Innovation Incubators Read Improve Adoption of Your Chapter Engagement Program
- 40. #5 Listening &Coaching
- 41. Listen & Identify Support Listento chapter leaders Identify ways to support them Understand their strengths and weaknesses 01 02 03
- 42. #5 How do Ibetter tap chapters as a source for “intel” & to id issues? Listening & Coaching
- 43. Level 1: Internal Listening Level 2: Focused Listening Level3: Global Listening Level 1 Listening to our own thoughts Levels of Listening Co-Active Coaching by Karen Kimsey-House, Henry Kimsey-House and Philip Sandahl Level 2 Focused on the speaker’s meaning Level 3 Tuned in to all that’s going on
- 44. Can you tellme more? Why? or Why not? What else? What’s important about that to you? What would help you right now? What will success look like? Or What will change for you? What opportunities do you see? What options do you have? What’s standing in your way? What have you done to solve this problem?
- 45. Sharing Intel Mine yourchapter reports & input Create quick reports for staff to share intel Schedule some one- on-one time 01 02 03
- 46. Coaching Resources DownloadThe Feedback Alternative: FeedForward for a look at shifting to a coaching role to develop volunteer Watch The Feedback Alternative: FeedForward Listen to Coaching Chapter Leaders for Success Idea Swap Watch Coaching Volunteers to Focus on What You Need Listen to The Hardest Conversations are the Most Important Ones: The Power of Perspectives Moving from Feedback to Feedforward, Cult of Pedagogy Try FeedForward Instead of Feedback, Growth Coaching FeedForward: Coaching for Behavior Change (Youtube), Marshall Goldsmith
- 47. #6 Benchmarking & Dashboards (isthere an ROI?)
- 48. #6 Benchmarking & Dashboards Howdo I measure chapter performance to confirm / prove value?
- 49. Emphasizes purpose ratherthan process
- 50. 50 connect to organization’s strategicgoals Membership Financial What are we measuring? Activity Perceptions Alignment
- 51. Drive the RightBehavior Measure What Matters!
- 52. Big Picture ROI impactof all chapters Winning Plays Small successes and bright spots Theme How chapters contribute to key initiatives What stories can we tell?
- 53. Make a Casefor Chapters Pull your numbers together to make your case • Members reached • Events, services offered • Sharing of national info/resources • Advocacy wins • Retention numbers Capture the intangibles • Insight gained through chapter activities • Insight gained about members through chapters • Progress on critical issues (trust, collaboration…) Tell the chapter value story • Think AGC’s video
- 54. Benchmarking Resources • WatchUsing Dashboards to Tell the Chapter Story • Download Dashboard Session Handout • Watch Tracking Chapter Effectiveness: Creating Powerful Dashboards • What’s the Point of Chapter Benchmarking? • 5 Prerequisites for a Chapter Benchmarking Project • What Does a Well-Designed Chapter Self-Assessment Tool Look Like? • You’ve Got Their Data. Now What? 3 Transformative Steps in a Chapter Benchmarking Project • Will Chapters Be Relevant in 2021? • Make a Case for a Bigger Chapter Budget with the Help of Chapter Member Engagement Data • How Chapter Financial Data Reduces the Volunteer Leadership Burden— and Financial Risk • Chapter Performance Data Has the Power to Improve Your Association's Relationship with Chapters
- 55. ROI Resources • WatchCreating a Compelling Chapter Story • Watch How Associations View Chapters • Watch Chapters: Are They Worth the Effort? A Chapter ROI Template • Download the ROI Valuation Matrix • Read What is a Chapter Bright Spot • Identifying Chapter Bright Spots • Sharing Chapter Bright Spots • Download Evaluating the Health of Your Association’s Chapter Program • Will Chapters Be Relevant in 2021? • Make a Case for a Bigger Chapter Budget with the Help of Chapter Member Engagement Data
- 56. Download the reportat https://bit.ly/chapterbenchmarking2022 2022 Chapter Performance & Benchmarking Report
- 57. What other resourcescan we provide? SUPPORT
- 58. The Webinar YouNeed to Get Your Leaders Onboard with New Tech April 19th 12 – 1 pm EST Join Beth Z in April!
- 59. Billhighway Mariner Management •Current financial reporting • Chapter member engagement data • Number of events they’re hosting • Types of events they’re hosting • Percentage of members and non- members attending • Discovering your chapter ROI • Innovating your chapter structure • Rethinking your volunteer strategy • Training & developing chapters leaders • In-depth & quick bites Tap us for… With Billhighway, you can see chapter performance data in real time—no more nagging chapters for: Want more? Contact us for a 15 minute chat. Your chapters need help? You need help with your chapters? Want more? Contact us for a 15 minute chat.
- 60.
Editor's Notes
- #2 Sending CRPs Some Love: Our Best Chapter Resources February is the month of love! And you know who we love most? CRPs! CRPs make a difference every day by helping their association and chapters solve the challenges in front of them. But where do CRPs turn for help? Your community of course…and Billhighway & Mariner! We’re floored by the range of issues that component relations professionals (CRPs) address daily, so we want to help you manage stressful chapter situations and give you strategies to circumvent them. THIS WEBINAR WILL: 1. Address challenges that are unique to CRPs, from chapter succession issues to monitoring component performance, and everything in-between 2. Provide different approaches to solving these tough chapter issues 3. Highlight our favorite resources, best practices, and tips & tricks We have many resources for your moment of need, so let’s use them to look ahead and move the needle in 2022. As always, hosted by Billhighway & Mariner Management.
- #3 @Peggy – What’s your big goal for 2022? Our goals are to build on what we learned in 2020-21 like Build up those connections with those who don’t get into cars (you know all the folks who showed up virtually but haven’t set foot at an in person chapter meeting Build Cross-chapter collaboration Create strategy for collaboration with chapter/HQ on events to counter the bleed with competition with HQ Figure out which of the fading chapters have potential in 2022 and support … then find solutions for those that don’t (because we saw chapters fade) Add resources and support to reduce volunteer stress Build training around the Value of reserves and value of technology so we can help chapters succeed – look for bright spots to replicate … you know those chapters that had reserves & tech and so succeeded Add your own lessons in chat …
- #4 Let’s Meet the Team – This webinar is brought to you by the fab partnership of Billhighway & Mariner Management! @Billhighway – Chapter Management Solution. We increase ROI across your entire organization by providing technology tools to help chapters perform better; as well as delivering member engagement and component performance data to headquarters. @Peggy - Mariner – Let’s create the greatest possible value for your members and volunteers! Our Shared Purpose To build community the component relations community and connect CRPs.
- #6 What challenge brought you here today? Let’s get started with the type of help you need right now
- #7 Based on our Chapter Benchmarking Report data… Leader Succession Chapter Events & Virtual Training & Development Chapter Buy-in Listening & Coaching Benchmarking, Dashboards > Confirm/prove Chapter Value
- #8 Challenge: Leadership Succession Year after year, volunteers step up, take on chapter leadership roles, then step aside for the next set of leaders. But you can’t count on miracles. What if no one wants to step up? What if the same people are always stepping up? What if a chapter leader goes AWOL, then what? You’ve got a chapter leader succession crisis on your hands, that’s what. Chapters that have trouble finding and keeping competent board members put themselves in peril. They end up keeping the same old people in positions of power for way too long. Volunteers get burnt out. Other members get turned off by the exclusive “country club” power structure—the place where good ideas go to die. We identified three issues that need to be addressed if you wish to reenergize your chapters and improve succession planning.
- #9 According to the 2022 Chapter Benchmarking & Report… When we asked CRPs about the most recurring problems in low-performing chapters, leadership succession challenges are at the top of the list, an issue that links directly to a lack of qualified volunteers. Lack of volunteers and the consequent volunteer burnout have been persistent themes in our CRP discussion groups, with clients, and in association discussion forums. Chapters that thrived in the last two years were overwhelmingly characterized by strong leadership, which only happens when the association has a deep volunteer pool fed by a consistent and vibrant volunteer pipeline. And conversely, poor leadership invariably results in limited programming and loss of members.
- #10 Chapter Leader Succession Issues Every component relations professional (CRP) has or will deal with one of these issues eventually. VACANT LEADERSHIP POSITION(S) It’s downright embarrassing. For a variety of reasons, the leadership ladder is empty. The outgoing president can’t stay on for another year, and other members aren’t willing to step up. Or maybe another position, like treasurer, is impossible to fill. RECYCLED LEADERSHIP Another symptom of a succession problem is the same old faces—the same members cycling through officer and board positions. Along with stale leadership, you have the risk of burnout. Plus, this situation gives members the impression of a leadership club or exclusive clique. AWOL LEADER The chapter has a president, but she seems to have vanished. You can’t get a hold of her by email or phone. If the chapter has other officers, they’re hesitant to “usurp” the position, but the clock is ticking. UNEXPECTED DEPARTURE OF LEADER An illness, death, personal emergency, move, or removal from office requires the chapter to find a new leader quickly. The impact of this departure depends on how much notice was given and how much access the chapter has to the former leader. Chaos could reign if other leaders need to transfer check signatories or lose access to bank accounts or software platforms.
- #11 Question: As volunteering is viewed as a critical barrier for chapters, how can we help chapters eliminate barriers to volunteering? How can we make the chapter leadership experience more enticing? Could we alleviate the administrative burden or lessen the time commitment required for chapter leadership? How can we supplement or support chapters in finding volunteers? Do we know why members are not interested in taking on chapter leadership roles?
- #12 Old Volunteer Model The old volunteer model is focused on the top of the volunteer pyramid—the titled positions. This model is focused on what we (the association) needs: “WE NEED A CHAPTER PRESIDENT. WE NEED A MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR.” We need to flip the model and turn the focus upside down to look at the bottom of the pyramid. What do volunteers want? How do they want to engage? Volunteer Drudge We need to make volunteering fun and enjoyable again. Start by lightening the load for chapter volunteers. Provide coaching on creating dynamic meetings. Succession Planning Grind Shifting from succession planning to talent development, because that’s what it is. It’s not about putting together a slate. It’s about pulling together folks into a community. Change the vernacular.
- #13 https://www.billhighway.co/chapter-succession-planning-engage-your-volunteer-community/ https://www.billhighway.co/chapters-in-crisis-handling-preventing-chapter-leader-succession-issues/ https://www.billhighway.co/how-to-build-a-chapter-leadership-pipeline/ https://www.billhighway.co/8-solutions-to-attract-chapter-volunteers-to-participate/ https://www.billhighway.co/powering-up-your-chapter-leaders-succession-planning/ https://www.billhighway.co/the-fundamentals-of-fun/
- #14 Issue: Chapter Events Speakers bureau Chapter events webinar
- #15 From 2022 Chapter Benchmarking Report
- #17 Question Attendee Question: Does anyone offer a database or listing of potential speakers for their chapters? I would like to offer this to our chapters, but am worried it would be difficult to maintain.
- #18 Every chapter faces the same event challenges. First, they must purpose & content Then, decide which type of event to host: in-person, hybrid, or virtual. Then, they must design the attendee experience, which means making decisions about safety, format, content, networking, revenue partners, and event technology. Then the tricky part – sell it and do it You can help chapters navigate this new event environment by providing the guidance and resources they need to make wise decisions, host safe, and compelling event experiences.
- #19 Consider alternatives to hybrid. With a hybrid event, Aaron said you’re essentially planning two (or even three) events at the same time with limited resources. Providing support to both audiences is a heavier volunteer lift than planning and hosting an in-person or virtual event. “Rapid succession of events is a good alternative game plan to the traditional hybrid meeting. Plan a virtual program for Tuesday and a deeper-dive in-person workshops for Wednesday or a week later, whatever works best for your audience.” Aaron suggested creating opportunities to integrate the two event audiences. “Find creative ways to bridge the two events. For example, attendees who meet virtually can do an activity that informs the in-person audience later.” Over time, share the virtual highlights with those who attended in-person. @Sarah Links to share: https://www.cvent.com/en/blog/events/hybrid-events-what-you-need-know https://www.press.org/live-virtual-or-hybrid-events-which-approach-best
- #20 How can CRPs support chapters who plan to host in-person or hybrid events? Chapter leaders are well intentioned and eager to get their members back together. They know their audience, venue, and community but they’re not as plugged into all the realities of meeting. CRPs, however, are plugged in; it’s your job. Be a curator. Aaron said, “CRPs must be curators of resources. Don’t provide a list of public health websites for chapter leaders to wade through. You’re putting the burden on them to take the time to review all this information and figure out what’s relevant—that’s not helpful.” Prepare toolkits, templates & programs Teach/train. Go beyond giving a list of tech or program ideas to teaching them how to use tech and create new programs Share chapter events in a common calendar – it helps chapters collaborate, learn from each other; it helps members see more options
- #21 Let’s talk about Speakers Bureau Curate existing lists - Finding effective speakers and connecting them with the right chapter can be challenging. Curate existing lists instead of recreating the wheel. Set up a directory - Creating a directory of speakers helps connect people looking for a speaker with those who are looking to be a speaker. Provide speakers Offering a speakers series Training to find speakers
- #22 Resources To learn more about planning virtual events, download The Complete Guide to Virtual Event Creation from Event Garde and Ricochet Advice https://www.billhighway.co/what-the-experts-say-about-in-person-chapter-events-for-2021/ https://www.billhighway.co/how-crps-can-support-chapters-with-virtual-and-in-person-event-decisions-and-design/ https://associationsnow.com/2021/01/return-meetings-covid-19-screening-testing/ https://associationsnow.com/2021/01/return-meetings-contact-tracing-works/ https://www.billhighway.co/let-bright-spots-shine-how-to-share-exceptional-chapter-behavior-practices/ https://www.billhighway.co/how-virtual-events-help-sponsors-achieve-their-marketing-goals-and-chapters-achieve-their-revenue-goals/
- #23 Resources https://www.billhighway.co/how-chapters-are-creating-memorable-virtual-experiences-for-members/ https://www.wbtsystems.com/learning-hub/blogs/attendees-learning-journey-virtual https://marinermanagement.com/resource/blog/2020-05-29/virtual-meetings-7-resources/ https://www.wbtsystems.com/learning-hub/blogs/new-ideas-for-online-learning-programs https://www.billhighway.co/how-to-get-chapters-started-with-virtual-events/
- #24 Sources to share: Turn your average remote events into engaging virtual experiences https://www.starchapter.com/blog/engaging_virtual_experiences Give your team the direction they need to hold successful virtual events https://www.starchapter.com/blog/successful_virtual_events
- #25 Challenge: Readiness for the job at hand … how do we create compelling Training & Development Ramp up leadership development Give leaders information to sharpen skills and prompt to think differently.
- #26 From 2022 Chapter Benchmarking Report… The three most popular chapter leader training resources are the same as in 2019: Web portal containing a variety of materials accessible around the clock Webinars Chapter leadership conference Associations are also tapping their learning management systems (LMS) slightly more for chapter training: 24% reported this as a training mode compared to 21% last time.
- #27 Question: Since chapter leaders say leadership conferences and other development resources are most important, how can we enhance the training experience to meet the needs and interests of our volunteers? How can we help chapter leaders find greater satisfaction in meeting member needs?
- #28 Let’s start with understanding that training works when you connect to volunteer motivations. We addressed this in a webinar which shared a valuable tool kit. Let’s take a look at two motivations and specific training and development modules to offer them.
- #29 There is no ONE adult learning theory – it more about follow adult learner practices such as Autonomy and self-directed learning Practical application and focus on achieving goals Inclusion of life experiences – this is a differentiator from children and it means we have to connect learning to past experiences These tie to the fact that Adults have an existing base of knowledge and life experience. They seek out continuous learning based on personal interests, wants, and needs. Adults learn best when they learn by doing. They learn best when they are directly involved with—“experiencing”—the learning instead of memorizing numbers and definitions from books. Read more: https://www.ispringsolutions.com/blog/adult-learning-theories
- #30 learner journeys that align with volunteer motivations and aspirations increase a volunteer’s willingness to invest time in training. If we are being learner-centric, we will engage the volunteer in a discussion to determine their pathway. This says to the volunteer, you give us time and we want to invest in you! How to confirm a volunteer’s profile including skills achieved? Be learner-centric, let the individual self-assess. This could be a self-assessment with guiding questions, or an interview with your volunteer manager. See sidebar for resources. What is the volunteer’s awareness of the skills needed to be successful? Build the self-assessment into your volunteer orientation and onboarding processes to encourage volunteer self-awareness. Use your volunteer pathway and matrix to educate volunteers on the skills needed for success. By tying that with guidance on how to develop those skills, volunteers may be more likely to self-assess and seek training. It is far easier to help a volunteer work towards a goal, say committee leadership or board service, than it is to deliver the message you aren’t qualified. What if we’re not ready … or want to explore this concept on a smaller scale? The underpinning philosophy of providing training based on volunteer motivations and goals can be implemented in many stages. If you are the staff person charged with preparing chapter leaders, consider how to apply the concepts to your chapter leader conference, webinar series and resource portal. If you are the staff person charged with committee liaison role, consider how you can apply the concepts to an onboarding process for committee volunteers. Just as there are many paths for volunteers, we have many paths for how to step up our game in supporting and developing our member volunteers.
- #31 Get the White Paper! https://bit.ly/3y8DCJo
- #33 Challenge: Implementing new tech/programming We get it, implementing new technology or programming across chapters can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be – it’s all in how you approach it! Some chapters are ecstatic to upgrade systems and processes, while others are resistant to any change at all.
- #34 Question
- #35 KEY CONSIDERATIONS IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO CHANGE STRATEGIES TO INTRODUCE CHANGE These are possible strategies for introducing change to chapters: Invite chapter leaders to be a part of the solution. Discuss problems with the status quo and the impact of those problems on members and volunteer leaders. Talk about the obstacles standing in the way of chapters achieving their goals and delivering value to members. Encourage them to propose solutions and, during that discussion, bring up your idea for a solution. Prepare your chapter leaders for change by making it a topic of discussion across several meetings
- #36 Here’s an idea … start with success in the field (either something they are doing, or a pilot you engage a few chapters in) It’s the “Trickle-Up” Approach It can be tricky for National to introduce a new program to all members – no way to know in advance if it will be successful with all chapters. Taking a “trickle-up” (vs trickle-down) approach to a new program gives you a head start – you already know the program can be successful. Your challenge will be scaling it in a way that works for every chapter, not just 1 or 2. Much like scaling a recipe – you can’t just double the ingredients for a cake and expect to have a good cake, at twice the size. Each ingredient needs to be handled differently…much like local chapters. What works for one won’t automatically work for another. How to trickle up: Brainstorm…ideas with chapters. What are the most successful programs they’ve introduced? And would they work for other chapters? Pick a program…and showcase it at a national level. Ask for feedback. Gauge interest from other chapters. Make a choice…do you want to be a ‘driver’ or a ‘facilitator’? Which will work best within your organization? Roll it out! View Trickle Up Webinar >> https://www.billhighway.co/taking-a-trickle-up-approach-to-chapter-engagement-programs/ Is there a wider need for this program? What works for one chapter may not work for others. Need to understand your organization, as well as your relationship with chapters. Will other chapters be open and willing to participate in this new program? Will your involvement be welcomed by the chapters…or resented? How involved do you want to be? How involved can you be – financially, as well as bandwidth? Will you be the ‘driver’ or the ‘facilitator’? How to maximize success? Introducing a new program goes beyond the roll-out. Once you’ve launched, how will you measure success? Stay on top of what is / isn’t working, and make ‘tweaks’ when necessary?
- #37 Get rid of the ‘us vs. them’ mentality It won’t be easy but building trust is absolutely necessary if you want to improve your relationship with chapters and convince them to share their data. Trust results from a series of actions, words aren’t enough. Trust takes a long time to build but can be lost in a moment. Nothing destroys trust more than the ‘us vs. them’ mindset. Start shifting this mindset by reeducating your national colleagues and volunteer leaders on the purpose, activities, and value of chapters. National staff and leaders must understand the critical role chapters play in delivering value to members. Illustrate this role by sharing chapter success stories so staff and leaders see chapters as a strategic asset, not another group to manage. Try transparency yourself Actions speak louder than words. You’ll stand on more solid ground when asking for transparency by being more transparent yourself. The inner workings of your association may seem mysterious to the average member, as well as to chapter leaders and staff. Talk to them to find out what isn’t clear about the way your organization works. For starters, pull back the curtain on association governance. Board meetings are usually handled in a routine manner by those involved. But the majority of chapter staff and leaders probably have no idea what goes on during those meetings. They would feel more invested in national’s strategy if they knew what’s happening behind the scenes for their benefit. Make it personal Trust grows when people meet face to face, even if it’s through a screen. Give chapter staff and leaders the opportunity to put faces to the names of their national counterparts. Create a picture in their minds of national as a building of people, not of policies and procedures. The Association for Corporate Growth did a great job of this when former CEO, Gary LaBranche, took his position back in 2008. Listen to his story here. A video update from the board chair or liaison about the upcoming board agenda will go a long way to demystifying the governance structure and creating a more personable relationship. After the meeting, tell chapters what happened and how those actions or decisions impact them. Does the board need any feedback or information from them for the next meeting? When possible, get together with chapters in person. Take a chapter road trip. Invite chapter leaders to HQ or another location for a retreat to discuss goals and strategy, and to provide training. Set aside a day at a conference for this purpose and subsidize attendance if money’s an issue. Whenever you introduce a new initiative or change, like asking chapters to share data, you have to first understand the resistance to change. Your ability to overcome that resistance will depend greatly on the type of relationship you have with chapters. To get their buy-in, you want a partnership built on trust, respect, and common purpose. Partners communicate frequently Communication builds trust – and trust is what you need if you hope to encourage chapters to share their data and information with you. Establish regular communication habits with your chapters, such as: Weekly email check-in Quarterly phone call Quarterly web conference
- #38 Beth Z’s Webinar – Learn about your tech psychology The Webinar You Need to Get Your Leaders Onboard with New Tech
- #41 Challenge: Listening & Receiving Feedback from Chapters Listen & Identify Support Listen to chapter leaders, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and identify ways to support them.
- #42 From 2022 Chapter Benchmarking Report… We don’t always think of chapters as a listening channel – that is one we can actively (proactively) learn from … and they don’t see themselves that way either. However we can eliminate or at least minimize issues and find nuggets when we get real on developing our chapters as a listening channel.
- #44 1st action – ramp up our listening skills! Three levels of listening: distinguishes each if where you focus as you listen Internal Listening: Listening to our own thoughts, your agenda. You could be focusing on any number of things. Maybe you’re thinking what to say next in the conversation, and so only half-hearing what the other person’s saying. Maybe you’re wondering what to have for lunch, or if you left the gas on. The key thing is that in Level One listening, you’re not really fully hearing the other person. Focused Listening: Focused on what the speaker is saying, meaning. Nothing’s distracting you. Thoughts about the past or the future don’t intrude. Even your own ideas don’t get in the way of you hearing the other person. Are you exploring the speakers’ thoughts and motivations? Global Listening: is also completely directed towards the other person, but it has a wider focus. You hear more than just the words they’re saying. You pick up on all sorts of other things – body language, the inflections and tone of their voice, their pauses and hesitations. It’s like you can hear sound effects in their mind – the clink of a penny dropping, the thud as they hit a wall. You can feel them straining to avoid something, or pulling towards something – and you have a sense of what that might be
- #45 Ask Powerful questions are not statements disguised as questions: “Have you tried working from home one day per week do give yourself more time for strategic thinking?” Notice that this is a closed, yes-or-no question, and the questioner probably has a “right” answer in mind. It’s a suggestion, not a question. It’s perfectly fine to make a suggestion; just don’t mistake it for a powerful question. Is short What would help? What’s missing? Is open ended What’s your perspective? (open) instead of Do you agree? (closed) Challenges current assumptions Stimulates reflective thinking Focuses on the future, rather than the past What do you need to move forward? Uses “Why” Carefully What led you to those conclusions? Vs. Why did you think that?
- #46 Mine your chapter reports & input Finally, are you using your chapter reports to better understand what’s going on? Are you polling chapter leaders (quick polls)? Are you have open discussions, maybe once a quarter Schedule some one-on-one time Consider 1:1 – like CAMFT and the chapter coaching project Create quick reports for staff to share intel Monthly heard in the field Quick infographic based on your dashboard
- #51 We’re not going into detail on this – just mentioning. Data Sources - What are we measuring? Key Performance Indicators: Begin with connecting to the organization’s strategic goals Membership – Recruitment/Renewal/Engagement Financial – Income/Expense Activity – Posts/Registrations/Volunteering/Donations/… Perceptions – Satisfaction/Net Promoter Score/Ratings/Comments Alignment – working in alignment with national
- #52 We’ve done a couple of dives into benchmarking and the biggest lesson is If you want to Drive Chapter Behavior with Targeted Benchmarking…MEASURE WHAT MATTERS
- #53 This in turn helps you to tell the compelling chapter story …. Story options – think (1) big picture, (2) theme, (3) small/specific successes (aka building your picture out of many individual successes) ROI impact of all chapters – Big Picture How chapters contribute to key initiatives -- theme Bright spots – specific successes
- #54 Make the case for your chapters. Chapter relevancy in 2021 is tied to engagement, recruitment & retention....local is important, you an get some interesting things going on quickly, connect with people you might not be able to connect with. Components reach a whole new segment of members and non-members. Opportunities to focus on chapter members and highlight the local angle and impact of broad national topics. Ability to create micro-moments. Pull your numbers together to make your case. Show the number of people, registration counts, events happened, how many chapters did what. Teach chapters how to tell their value. Metrics for the stuff we’re not getting done or doing and how its impact was negligible so we can do other things.
- #55 Resources Check out these blog posts
- #56 Resources Check out these blog posts Be sure that what we’re doing is worth the effort Read Benchmarking Report Watch Tracking Chapter Effectiveness Download ROI Matrix Dashboard worksheet
- #57 https://www.billhighway.co/2022-chapter-performance-benchmarking-report/ https://bit.ly/chapterbenchmarking2022
- #58 How else can we support you?
- #59 Beth Z’s Webinar The Webinar You Need to Get Your Leaders Onboard with New Tech
- #60 Billhighway Software like Billhighway allows for a healthy balance of association visibility and chapter autonomy. You can see chapter performance data in real time—no nagging required. For example, with Billhighway, you can see the: Full financial picture of chapters Insight into member data Number of events chapters are hosting Types of events they’re hosting Percentage of members attending Percentage of non-members attending Mariner We are all about optimizing your local presence, whether it’s the traditional chapter or something else. We help you empower volunteers, improve the member experience, answer tough questions about components.
- #61 Any questions? Thank you! See you next month!