08/16/2024

Seven Thoughts on Seven Measures

Understanding modern implications and applications of these measures

7 Measures of Success: What Remarkable Associations Do That Others Don’t—the landmark Center for Association Leadership research and bestselling ASAE book—was always intended to frame and stimulate discussion. Yet, as one member of the original project’s research task force put it last month, she never dreamed that nearly two decades later, association thought leaders would gather to apply a today-and-tomorrow lens to a facilitated discussion of the disciplines outlined in the research.

Such is the lasting nature of the research, because her never-dream became reality June 17, when 30-plus members of the association community came together in Chicago for that conversation. Actually, 7 Measures was as much springboard as framework for the discussion convened by the ASAE Research Foundation, hosted by the Association Management Center, and sponsored by Louisville Tourism. A second, similar foundation summit will be convened September 10 in Washington, D.C.

The World Café-style dialogue, facilitated by Paul Borawski, FASAE, CAE, was wide-ranging. Yes, it was about the lessons that the 7 Measures framework can still reveal. But it was equally so about the challenges of a fast, complex operating environment and the capacities and capabilities that are needed. And that’s the point. The research foundation, with leadership from a 7 Measures task force, is digging into perspectives to inform research and resources that will support organizational excellence.

Please select this link to read the complete article from ASAE’s Center for Association Leadership.