Seth's Monday Morning Mojo

Wassup with Me and Associations?

Over the last 3 years I have become obsessed with associations. Periodically I have to ask myself, Why? Why do I care if these organizations, more than any others, live or die?

I suppose it all goes back to my interest in professional communities. When I was a kid my father was a consultant to the National Institute of Mental Health and the Mental Health Association. My dad was a communications professor. He got a grant to run a graduate level class for exceptional students that was focused on PR for mental health organizations. It was one of the coolest things he ever did in my opinion. And what was even cooler was that he invited me to participate in a lot of their activities.

When I was about 13 years old I had the chance to work together with expert writers and photographers, making Public Service Announcements - you know, those advertisements you see on TV late at night when no advertiser in their right mind would pay for time? Well, we created campaigns for mental health programs that turned into TV commercials and copy in national newspapers like the New York Times. Our ads, the very ones we created, were run on the big 4 (the only 4 back then!): NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS. It was a real thrill to see our ideas come to life on national television and in big name newspapers.

I learned to love professional collaboration. I thought it was so cool that adults could pool their creative talents and generate things that could change society. The idea that a bunch of professionals working together could make a difference, change the course of civilization was ingrained at an early age.

I think this is one of the reasons why I liked working on Knowledge Management so much when I was at the World Bank. I helped create over 100 communities of professionals around the world in areas that spanned the sectors, from the privatization of education to biodiversity. It was a real thrill. And I got to help run the groups in the Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development vice presidency. I loved it.

Now, here it is in 2014 and technology is disrupting every business in operation. I have become good friends with a number of CEOs of associations, almost 100. I get to see the world through their eyes, which means I learn about Earth and space scientists, printing equipment manufacturers, cardiologists, nurses, bug scientists, sign manufacturers, and so many others. It is like getting a birds-eye view of what makes America great, all the professions and trades.

I figure if I can help them reinvent their organizations to succeed in an age of rapid innovation and tumult, I am helping to make our country and our world a better place. Plus I get the thrill of learning about their professions, trades and causes.

I will be running a free weekly video series for these leaders. If you are interested, take a look at VisionaryTalk.com - and if you would like to be notified of new videos weekly, send me a note and let me know.

Now you know why I am obsessed with associations.

A man only learns in two ways, one by reading, and the other by association with smarter people.

- Will Rogers

VisionaryLeadership.com