ISSUES SOLVED  ::  The Elite Association Problem

From The Ranks

“Above the membership” is a perception members can develop about the elected officials and paid leadership of their associations. This subtly powerful, hard to describe feeling is picked up by member feedback and convention staff. We have developed a simple way to address the issue without causing a fuss.

Because the chain of command can get a bit defensive on this point, we need to avoid a big discussion and a big deal for those involved. So we go with the obvious. We suggest a modest change in entrances and seating of these leaders. Instead of having the host, usually the elected president, enter to ballyhoo from the back of the stage, we have them enter from the audience. This gives a subtle feeling of, “Oh, yeah. They are members just like we are. Same issues, same problems. They get it.”

A slight variation that goes down better with some leaders is to have them come from back stage for the initial entrance. After introducing the next speaker, the leader proceeds down the center stairs to take their seat in the front row. From then on they enter and exit from the center audience area.

Members notice and respond well to this, as do most leaders. While not for everybody, this simple thing builds stronger ties between leadership and members.