Leadership Needed

According to a recent survey, more than one-third of new association CEOs are coming from the industry or membership's ranks. CEO Update reports that "Recruiters agree that specific background has been a hot commodity this past year as organizations seek CEOs well-versed in policy and the players."

AEM blogger Dave Patt interprets this trend to mean that members are taking the top job because they are content experts.   Dave points out that "Hiring a content expert does not bring the association anything it didn't already have. So, let the content people manage content. When you need association management, get an association manager."

My take on the report is that it's not about content or management.  It's about leadership.

Association selection committees want leaders rich in relationships, highly credible people with access to policy makers and industry heavy-weights.  Will they take the CEO's call?  Can the candidate cut through and get results?

Insiders are also proven, trusted, known entities, earning their reputations over time.  They are part of the informal network, and know who to go to for what.   They share history, language, and even passion for the profession or issues.

You can buy content.  You can rent process.  You need a leader that influentials respect.  I am just surprised that the percentage of CEOs coming from the association's industry or profession isn't higher.