Lessons from my First Year as CEO

I ran my own consulting business for seven years, so technically I was a CEO then, but I had never been in the CEO role within an association until June 2008, when I took a position at Management Solutions Plus, an association management company. Part of my responsibilities at MSP is serving as Executive Director for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry Metro DC Chapter.

Soon after I started, Lisa Junker from ASAE asked me if I would be interested in authoring a four-part column in Associations Now magazine called "Postcards from a new CEO." I was to write a very brief piece, once every three months, chronicling lessons learned during my first year. The first, second, and third installments were written metaphorically, as if they were literal postcards from a visit to CEOland. 

For the last one, I asked to do more of a straightforward letter to my association executive colleagues. That letter is out in the September issue of Associations Now, so check it out. My lessons learned included:

• It's all about relationships. The "players" in your system are actually people.
• When it's you, it's different. Practicing what you preach is always hard.
• The burden of responsibility. Being on top can keep you from doing what you need to do.
• Trust is the keystone. I am glad you have trust. Now go get some more.

I look forward to year two and beyond, but I also hope to keep that beginner's mind close at hand.

Comments

[Eric Lanke]

Great letter and great post, Jamie, and congratulations on your successful first year as an association CEO. I'm now two and a half years into my first CEO position, and my experience mirrors yours and your takeaways resonate with me. This past year has been especially challenging for many, and has provided a tremendous opportunity for association leaders to "walk the walk" in these critical areas.