A Business Plan for Life 12

Colorado Society of Association Executives

Winter 2016 (vol. 10 issue 1) | www.csaenet.org EXCELLENCE BY ASSOCIATION

6 PUTTING THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE WILL STALL YOUR CAREER 8 CERTIFICATION: WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? 14 3 THINGS I LEARNED WHEN I WAS SCARED OUT OF MY MIND 2 | winter 2016 | csaenet.org contentswinter 2016 vol. 10 issue 1 14 6 features 6 Putting the Cart Before the Horse Will Stall Your Career

8 Certification: What’s in it for You?

12 Lead Yourself so You Can Lead Others: A Business Plan for Life

14 Three Things I Learned When I Was Scared Out of My Mind

18 Tackling Sitting Disease: Searching for the Magic Bullet

departments The Mission: News from the President...... 5 GO DIGITAL CSAE is the community that fosters An e-version of Executive Memo becomes Industry Favorites...... 22 personal excellence for all within the available on www.csaenet.org once the association management profession. Resource Review...... 24 issue is published. It’s a fun, interactive way to experience and share the magazine. The Promise: Member Spotlight...... 26 Between editions, keep up on all things CSAE is committed to delivering high-value programs and services. Another Member Benefit CSAE via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn If a CSAE member is not completely from CSAE...... 28 satisfied with any CSAE offering, CSAE will make it right or refund Infographic...... 30 the member’s money.

CSAE is: All about leadership Committed to association excellence Executive Memo is the quarterly publication of Colorado Society of Association Executives (CSAE) and is provided as a benefit Future-focused to members. Submit your article to [email protected]. Deadline for all material is six weeks prior to issue Unique learning opportunities date. Submissions are edited and published as space allows. Letters to the editor, suggestions, comments and encouragement are welcome. Expressed opinions and statements in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinions of the CSAE An effective advocate board of directors or its membership.

csaenet.org | winter 2016 | 3 Colorado Society of Association Executives

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WINTER 2016

Published For: Colorado Society of Association Executives (CSAE) 8690 Wolff Court, Suite 200 Westminster, CO 80031 www.csaenet.org 303.650.0301 office 303.650.1450 fax

Executive Memo is the official magazine of CSAE, Colorado Society of Association Executives. CSAE brings together association leaders to foster professional and personal excellence through unique learning opportunities that inspire members to achieve more and guide associations into the future.

CSAE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: MARILEE YORCHAK, CAE, CO-CHAIR Business Marketing Association – Colorado [email protected] 303.607.9957

LESLIE SHIVERS, CAE, CO-CHAIR, EDITOR Association Pro to Go [email protected] 303.359.2751

FRANCINE BUTLER, PHD, CMP, CAE Empressa Consulting [email protected] 303.725.9155, ext.105

LAURIE SHIELDS Laurie Shields Design [email protected] 303.777.6354

MOLLY SAUSAMAN [email protected] 303.790.0216

HEATHER FOLKER Give new meaning Colorado and Denver Bar Association [email protected] to the term “lunch break” 303.860.1115

LANCE RITCHLIN R-Star Productions, Inc. [email protected] 303.842.5559

BECKY ROLAND, CAE Phoenix AMC [email protected] 303.551.3266

CSAE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOAN TEZAK, CAE, CMP [email protected]

CSAE PRESIDENT JAMA RICE, MBA, CAE Museum Store Association, Inc. 3773 E Cherry Creek North Drive, Suite 755 Denver, CO 80209-3804 [email protected] Meet in the mountains and be inspired by the 303.504.9223

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4 | winter 2016 | csaenet.org from the NEWS president

Misadventures in Association Management

erendipity has played a rather large role in my life . Sometimes described as looking for one thing and stumbling across something of greater value, Sthat’s an apt description of how I ended up in my first position with an association . While I had years of experience in corporate America, it was the many hours of volunteer work outside of my “day job” that fueled my soul . In my first association position I found a wonderful intersection of good business practices with mission-driven decision making . In visiting with colleagues, I know that I’m not the only CSAE professional member who recognizes serendipity’s valuable role in leading many of us to a career in associations . We’re in good company . Countless product inventions can point to serendipity for their existence . Post-it Notes were the failure of an effort to develop a super strong adhesive for the aerospace industry . Penicillin started out as an unknown mold growing in a Petri dish . Velcro was masterminded by a Swiss engineer who recognized the opportunities presented by cockle burrs stuck to his dog and his pants after a walk in the woods . Many more useful products and processes—rubber, X-rays, ex-lax, NutraSweet, popsicles and Viagra to name a few—are the result of a serendipitous misadventure . Lest we conclude serendipity is the path to all great outcomes, there are many more useful products and processes that don’t point to a misadventure, but rather thoughtful study, preparation and research . Many innovations were the result of an idea nurtured through planned study and research . Sometimes the body of knowledge that led to the discovery was developed by several people over many years . I am grateful that serendipity led me to a career in association management . And I am grateful that people are discovering this unique profession earlier in their careers than did I . I enjoy talking with young professionals who have developed a career plan and are committing themselves to association management through ongoing professional training, certification and certificate programs, and absorb- ing and contributing to the body of knowledge that continues to develop . CSAE helps all of us raise the awareness of the dynamic, challenging, rewarding (and sometimes exhausting) career opportunities in association management—not always discovered through serendipity, but more often now through a studied understanding of how association management aligns well with so many of our diverse career interests .

Regards,

csaenet.org | winter 2016 | 5 By Kathleen Winsor-Games, Principal – The Winsor Group Putting The Before The

CARTn over 20 years as a business coach, career strategist, and HORSEOutline Your Career Vision executive recruiter, I have often heard this career story: Start with some self-assessment, or brush up on what you “I was afraid my job was in jeopardy so I wrote a resume already know. What are your strengths, values, and career to fit some job postings online. Now it is months later and accomplishments? In what type of organization have you (or would I am frustrated because it appears my resume is stuck in an you) do your best work? Your career vision is best developed based Ielectronic black hole, and the few interviews I have had are all on answers to these important questions. dead end.” It may take some “career excavation” to dig up your best When I ask what the ideal next opportunity looks like, I accomplishments, including metrics, return-on-investment, scope frequently get a blank look. Sometimes the response has to do and impact; however, this is a key ingredient to articulating your with what you want to leave, and not what you want next. For value to employers. Don’t skip this step or try to take shortcuts. instance, “I never want to work for a company like that again. I By helping one client, “Bill,” to articulate his Success am tired of having a boss who takes all the credit. I am tired of CriteriaSM, values, strengths, accomplishments, and the times knowing more than my manager does and having to run every when he was happiest and doing his best work, we came up with decision by her.” this career vision: Sometimes, when I ask about job search strategy, the response “I am leading international business development initiatives is, “I am applying on this job board, or that job board, or yet for a respected leader in the oil and gas industry, establishing another job board.” new beachheads and building engaged multinational What is the problem, you may ask? teams to do their best work.” These are tactics, not strategies. Tactics only work when they are in service to a clear vision and a well-defined strategy. Develop Your Career Strategy Unfortunately, few of us were taught how to develop a career Next, we developed a targeted strategy. Sometimes people land in a great job that ends up being list of companies who the career of their dreams, and they never have to look again. That met Bill’s ideal company is all too rare. profile. This integrated his standards for ethical The Winning Formula behavior, preferred For the rest of us, it takes a comprehensive plan to discover, company revenue size, define, articulate, and secure the next career position of choice. drive for developing A famous saying by Chinese military strategist and philosopher innovative products, Sun Tzu describes how I view the differences between tactics and reputation for excellent customer strategy. “Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. relationships, and commitment to Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” international expansion. Here is the formula that I use with my clients that generates By then, we had a clear idea of where remarkable results: his unique values and strengths were most likely Vision + Strategy + Tactics = Success to be valued and sought after, so developing this

6 | winter 2016 | csaenet.org list was simplified. The company list was short, allowing him The focus on job postings was pushed to the bottom of the list, not to conduct deep research and ignite relationships with key ignored, but not the top priority. Activities included taking a MOOC decision-makers and influencers. (Massive Open Online Course) that reignited Bill’s global contacts and refreshed his skills. He networked extensively through LinkedIn, Now, Execute the Tactics industry conferences, and by simply reaching out to past colleagues. Once we had answers to questions around vision and strategy, we By re-thinking strategy versus tactics, Bill “put the horse in developed marketing materials precisely targeted to the kind of hiring front of the cart,” thus transforming the quality of interaction managers with problems Bill could solve. The résumé was now the throughout his self-marketing campaign. The net result was a outcome of a strategy. Likewise, his LinkedIn profile, cover letters, handful of interviews with companies on his target list (some of networking script, and interview responses were all outcomes of the them quite extensive and exhaustive). He received an offer from strategy and could be customized to the audience with little effort. one of his top companies and is happy to have a new problem: Together we developed a weekly list of self-marketing activities putting up big wins in his first year on the new job. that would provide the greatest visibility and help build relationships. Kathleen Winsor-Games is the principal of The Winsor Group, a Denver-based boutique firm offering high performance career and workplace coaching. See our HORSE Will Stall blog at www.thewinsorgroup.com/blog YOUR C AR EER

csaenet.org | winter 2016 | 7 What’s in it CERTIFICATION: for you? By Francine Butler, PhD, CAE, CMP, President, Empressa Consulting

ursuing a credential, especially could include a number of years in the salary potential.1 Six organizations within the CAE for most of us, is a field, perhaps certain coursework, and/ the environment, health and safety challenge and an achievement or letters of recommendation. Once you professions participated. They concluded P that can be relished throughout decide to pursue the credential, the road “earning accredited credentials can your career in associations. Those follows a fairly common pathway: apply, provide numerous benefits, including without it ask how tough it was to get pay fees, study, study, study, take the exam improved career prospects and enhanced there and those with it smile—they’ve and SUCCESS. earning power.” The salary differential is been where you are and know what it A note on studying: many individuals less clear in other fields, especially where took to get there. do it alone; others join study groups to certification is voluntary. People want to gain certification in go through the process together. The In preparation for this article I their field for a variety of reasons— choice is an individual one, but anecdotal conducted a brief survey with the CAEs perhaps a change in salary, perhaps it comments from those going through the of CSAE to gather their thoughts on why is a requirement, as in some healthcare CAE process noted working with group they pursued certification. The CSAE fields—or maybe it is a personal was a valuable learning experience. Directory listed 83 individuals who earned challenge to gain the credential. The Institute for Credentialing the CAE credential. I was able to contact Step one is to ensure that you meet the Excellence (ICE) recently published a 51 with active addresses and received qualifications to sit for the exam. Those survey on how certification enhances responses from 18, for a 43.9% response.

1 www.credentialingexcellence.org/p/cm/ld/fid=420 8 | winter 2016 | csaenet.org Northern Colorado’s LARGEST “Once you decide to pursue the credential, the road EVENTS COMPLEX follows a fairly common pathway: apply, pay fees, with Over 2,000 Events Per Year and study, study, study, take the exam and SUCCESS.” 375,000 Square Feet of Versatile Event Space!

There were two questions: • Increased my salary Items in italics were mentioned more • Commitment to the profession than once. • Invaluable knowledge gained thru 1. Why did you pursue getting the process your CAE? • Represents the “passport” for • Validation that this is a “real” profession required entry to involvement and could lead to a life-long career with associations • Regional/National Conferences • Increase my salary • Awards Banquets • More engaged in continually • Committee/Membership/Educational Meetings • Told by an attorney colleague the learning • Expos • Holiday Parties • Outdoor Events CAE is more pertinent to association • Respected and recognized industry management than is the law degree to credential being an attorney

• Wanted to understand the role and Leave it to say we are committed functions of an association executive so to our jobs and our professionalism, I could do my job well and we want to deliver excellence as • Personal satisfaction association executives. • Admired peers who had the CAE The focus of this article was on the individual seeking certification, but • Was a requirement of the job what about the association considering • Advanced education in non-profits developing a certification program? Go carefully. Join ICE (Institute for • Qualify for a future ED position Credentialing Excellence). Don’t Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount • Boosted my self confidence confuse a certificate with certification. off of your first meeting room rental! Do due diligence as to why the 2. What is the value of the CAE to you? credential should exist and don’t Attend an event at Budweiser Events Center, the 7,200 seat arena on campus. • Can’t imagine being the CEO without underestimate the cost of development. the CAE Hire a professional. • Professionalism—tells the Board I am Francine Butler, PhD, CAE, Spectra Food Services & Hospitality provides serious about this business and I know CMP, is owner of Empressa exceptional catering services for the entire campus. what I am doing Consulting, serving associations • Validates my expertise to manage the in growth, strategic planning association using best practices and board development. She has served as Executive Director of a number of • Demonstrates a basic body of I-25 & Crossroads Blvd., Loveland associations and built an association knowledge management company that served a client 970-619-4006 [email protected] • Raised a level of respect among peers list representing health care, scientific and www.treventscomplex.com and members engineering professional societies.

csaenet.org | winter 2016 | 9 (NOT) BUSINESS AS USUAL.

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csaenet.org | winter 2016 | 11 LEAD YOURSELF so you lead can others:

A BUSINESS PLAN FOR LIFE

12 | winter 2016 | csaenet.org “The reality is, we have as much time in the day as Albert Einstein and By Mary Kelly, PhD, CSP, Commander, US Navy (ret) Michelangelo. We just need to be mindful and have a plan.” ssociation executives are selfless, hard working, and they often say yes when others do not. This can lead to over-commitment and burnout: long hours late at night, • What can I do to be more effective with my time? A working on our association projects. • Are there other people who can do part of this job? You have a business plan for your association. Do you have a business plan for your life? • Can I hold this meeting via video conferencing such as zoom.us or Skype? Keeping Your Motivation We all get tired and run down, and sometimes a little Maintaining Your Perspective discouraged when members don’t appreciate our efforts. Happiness is a choice, even during tough days. We cannot During those low times, it is helpful to remember: control external factors, and we cannot control other people’s • What gives you a sense of achievement? opinions, but we can control how we react. • What makes your association day a good day? • What makes you happy? • What do you love about what you give to • What activities in your association give you satisfaction? your organization? To maintain a sense of balance and happiness, resolve to spend five VERY conscious minutes making your life better. Building Your Legacy Make a cup of tea, do push-ups, call a friend, call your mom, or We want to make a difference, to help our industry and whatever improves five minutes of your life. its people, and to leave a legacy in our community. How do Caring for the People Who Care for Us we want people to perceive us as leaders? What will people remember about our association in 3 or 5 or 10 years? How do We are successful because of the other people in our lives. we want people to think about our association’s reputation? Remember to appreciate the most important people in your life. Ask: Managing Your Time • Who are the most important people in my life? In order to give the association what it needs from you, you • How do I spend quality time with the people I care about have to make sure that you are managing your time wisely. the most? Life is a finite but unknown number of minutes, so we need to make sure that we do what is most important. However, • How can I show the most important people in my life that many people struggle with the “too much to do” overwhelm, I care? which leads to worry and stress. People constantly complain When you feel overwhelmed, call another association of not having enough time, but the reality is, we have as much leader. Chances are good others have experienced what you time in the day as Albert Einstein and Michelangelo. We just are experiencing. If you have a problem, talk it over with your need to be mindful of how we spend our time, and have a plan. board. Remember to lead yourself, stay focused, optimistic, and We also have regular events that take our time, and we often take care of you and the people who care for you. don’t even realize that we are doing them, such as checking emails and responding to memos. Be clear about what you Mary Kelly, PhD, CSP, Commander, US Navy (ret) is need to do, and then schedule these activities when you can dedicated to improving productivity and organizational be most efficient. growth through leadership and business development. Knowing how we spend our time during the day is helpful to She is the best-selling author of 15 Ways to Grow Your make sure that we budget our daily time the right way. How do Business in Every Economy and Master Your World: 10 Dog-Inspired you “chunk” or block your time? Ask yourself: Leadership Lessons to Improve Productivity, Profits, and • What is my optimal work time for making phone calls, Communication. Her new book, Why Leaders Fail, comes out in 2016. returning emails, or holding meetings? Mary is at [email protected] and 719-357-7360.

csaenet.org | winter 2016 | 13 THINGS I LEARNED 3 WHEN I WAS

ScaredOUT OF MY MIND

By Ava Diamond, International Keynote Speaker – Ava Diamond International

t was a beautiful Saturday afternoon—incredibly blue sky, bright sunshine, and temperatures in the mid ’70s. I was in Rocky Mountain National Park, overwhelmed with the beauty all around me. I decided to drive up Old Fall River Road, which I’d not done before. Opened in 1920, it was the first auto route to offer access to the park’s high country. It’s a narrow Idirt and gravel road, one-way, uphill, lacking guardrails, with tight switchbacks, steep drop-offs, ruts, and potholes. It’s 11 miles long, and takes you up to an elevation of 11,796 feet (3595 meters). Being from Long Island, I’m not an expert mountain driver. But I decided this would be a great adventure. Five minutes in, I knew I’d made a big mistake. The road was too narrow and curvy. The precipitous drop-offs were too close to my car. There were ruts in the road. There were potholes that threatened to suck my tires in and make me lose control of the car. I was terrified. There was no turning back. It was a one-way road. And I was alone. As I was driving, the lessons I was learning that we can apply to our organizations started playing in the back of my mind. Here’s what I learned when I was scared out of my mind.

Once You Commit, Be “All In” When I realized just how scary the drive was going to be, I wanted to turn around. I wanted to quit. I wanted a “do-over.” But that wasn’t possible. I’d started the journey. It was one dirt and gravel lane, one way, and I’d have to see it through. I pulled off at the first turn out. I shed a few tears. Okay, more than a few. Then I weighed my options. There didn’t seem to be any great ones. So I knew I had to change my mindset and my self-talk, or something terrible could happen. I could focus on the ruts in the road, the tire-sucking potholes, and the steep drop- offs—and stay terrified. That was option one. Or I could focus on staying attentive to the road, choosing to drive in the ruts where they would serve me, choosing not to drive in them when they were too beat up or would lead me to a pothole, and to NOT constantly look at the edge of the road being terrified I’d drive over it.

14 | winter 2016 | csaenet.org Photograph by Ava Diamond csaenet.org | winter 2016 | 15 At Brede, we’re with you When we make a decision, we need to be “all in.” every step of We need to do what it takes to be successful the way! in what we’ve decided.

I could focus on being grateful for the Enjoy the Journey incredible opportunity to be this close to These 11 miles had some of the most nature on a drive few have experienced. I beautiful scenery in the U.S. I was able could look at it as “car-hiking.” to use pull outs and walk on trails, see Of course, I’d have to unclench my Chasm Falls, experience subalpine stomach muscles first, and stop catastro- forests, see the different plants and trees phizing, but I knew it was something I’d at different elevations, and be in the have to do for my own safety. mountains on a gorgeous day. I decided to be “all in,” and to really As I neared the top, I was able to see the enjoy the experience. Fall River Cirque, which was the birthplace On Every Tradeshow! It’s like that in our organizations, too. of the glaciers that were once there. It’s too easy to chase the next bright, I realized that I could focus on my fear Just like raising a child, planning and executing an exceptional tradeshow of the road itself, or on the incredible requires partnerships that are as committed shiny object, to abandon the path we to success as you are. At Brede, our dedicated and experienced Total Support Team truly chose when it gets tough, and to let our experience I was having. partners with you to ensure a smooth and spectacular tradeshow. negative self-talk hold us back. As a hobbyist photographer, I took lots

5140 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80216 When we make a decision, we need of incredible photos. As an avid hiker, I was ph: 303-399-8600 Nationwide Tradeshow Services | brede.com email: [email protected] to be “all in.” We need to do what it able to experience some amazing views on takes to be successful in what we’ve the trails I walked. And as a business owner, decided. We need to see it through once I was able to disconnect from my work, and we commit. I’ve heard it expressed as, reconnect with my soul. “First we make the decision. Then, we In our organizations, focusing on make the decision right.” the rewards of the journey and the experience, rather than on our frustration Maximum Find the Humor in the Situation or fear makes for a more successful On some of the narrowest stretches association and a more satisfying life. appeal. where there was a huge drop-off right Remembering these three lessons next to my car, I found myself leaning to will make me a better speaker and a the right (the mountain side) as I drove. better business owner. As an association Minimum Now, I was not on a bicycle or executive, incorporating them into the motorcycle where that would have made way you run your organization will make sense and perhaps done some good. I was you a stronger leader and will help you fuss. in a Subaru Outback station wagon. have a more positive impact. Each time I noticed myself doing it, I was struck by how funny that was. As Ava Diamond is a sought-after SPECIALIZING IN PAGE-TURNING if my leaning to the right was going to speaker, consultant, and PUBLICATION DESIGN make the car not go over the edge. Yet facilitator. She speaks from over it was an unconscious reaction to what 20 years’ experience as a Fortune We collaborate with organizations of all sizes to 100 manager, executive director of a create publications that have maximum visual was before me. appeal and impact, including magazines, annual Business is challenging. Running an not-for-profit agency, consultant, and reports, infographics, books, brochures and association is challenging. Things don’t successful entrepreneur. She distills this product catalogs. With over 25 years experience, always go the way we plan. experience into powerful lessons that inspire we know how to engage audiences and produce If we fail to keep our sense of humor, action and get results. Her programs focus on results — efﬁ ciently and enjoyably. things are tougher. They seem worse. We leadership, employee engagement, and lose faith. women’s success strategies. She has a Humor is a way to keep the joy in our master’s degree in Management and lives and our jobs, even when things Organizational Behavior. You can reach her at 303.777.6354 I [email protected] get hard. It’s a tool to help keep our [email protected]. www.laurieshieldsdesign.com staff focused and heading in the right direction. © 2015, Ava Diamond, Ava Diamond International

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csaenet.org | winter 2016 | 17 TACKLING SITTING

DISEASESearching for the Magic Bullet

By Judy Metz, CEO – Sit Tech

ome association careers require a very active lifestyle, but many association jobs mean sitting in front of a computer for hours. Here’s how we can fight the ill effects of “sitting disease.” Sitting for six or more hours per day increases the likelihood of developing a variety of serious conditions from diabetes to cardiovascular problems to kidney disease. SIncreasing evidence also suggests that when we sit for extended periods we become less alert, while our bodies secrete hormones that increase the probability that we will feel depressed. That’s why it’s not a stretch to say that sitting impacts us physically, cognitively and emotionally. It’s human nature to look for an easy solution that doesn’t require any change in our behavior, so many of us are now searching for a quick and effortless fix for the sitting problem. Here are some common responses: I’m okay because I have an ergonomically correct chair. Unfortunately, some studies demonstrate that many of us manage to sit in unhealthy ways even in our specially designed furniture. What’s more, you can’t take your chair everywhere. At meals, in meetings, during travel or while watching TV or reading, we all find ourselves in chairs that don’t support natural, healthy spinal alignment. I don’t even need ergonomically designed furniture, because I stand up most of the day. Standing desks are popular right now. But many individuals fall into unhealthy posture after standing for even a short time. The hunched shoulders and forward jutting chin so prevalent in those who sit for most of the workday are also observed in those who stand. And the longer employees stand, the more likely they are to have leg and circulation problems. So when we stand for extended periods or stand incorrectly, we trade one set of health issues for another.

18 | winter 2016 | csaenet.org csaenet.org | winter 2016 | 19 The Root Cause During most of the time humans have walked the earth, we were hunter- Fortunately, once we stop looking outside ourselves gatherers. Imagine our ancestors building for clever devices to mitigate the problems created by fires, carrying water, chasing game or digging roots. Their bodies evolved to sitting, the path to better physical health, increased thrive when they moved a lot and moved alertness and equanimity becomes clear. in a variety of ways. In modern society our bodies have become mismatched with our b. Place your feet flat on the floor a breath, return to the center and repeat environment—especially at work. During comfortable distance apart. to the other side. Feel free to use other the workday, most of us move very little, and standing stretches that feel comfortable. when we do, the range and diversity of our c. Take several deep breaths and inflate your rib cage in all directions—side movements is extremely limited. 4. Bounce your way to feeling better. to side, back and front. This is tricky, Many individuals in our culture A Simple Solution since we are used to collapsing our habitually lock their knees while upper body. A helpful technique is Fortunately, once we stop looking standing. Whenever you stand, take a to place your hands on your ribs and outside ourselves for clever devices moment to bend and straighten your expand the ribs into your hands with to mitigate the problems created by knees to create a gentle bounce. This each breath. sitting, the path to better physical health, reminds you to relax your knees and increased alertness and equanimity d. Once your chest is open and your reduces the stress on your legs. becomes clear. Two actions are needed. lungs are filling completely, place one First, the body must be returned to its hand on the back of your neck as you 5. Walk while you meet. natural, healthy alignment. For example, raise and lower your chin. When you When you need to communicate with unless the rib cage is fully expanded, the feel a gentle curve on the back of your only one or two colleagues, walking lungs cannot inflate fully. This means neck and your eyes are focused on the meetings can be helpful. Even if you that the supply of oxygenated blood that horizon (think of scanning for game only walk while sharing information or nourishes every cell in the body becomes or ripe fruit), your neck is in the defining a problem and then sit down limited. So sitting, standing and moving correct position. to write an action plan, the few minutes in good posture ensures that each system of movement can make an important e. Finally, place a hand on your lower and organ of the body receives the oxygen contribution to better health. Standing back, just below your waist and tip needed to function in optimum ways. around a whiteboard or flipchart can your pelvis forward until you feel a Using correct carriage is a primary way to also provide a change of position if you healthy curve form. combat sitting disease. need to meet with several colleagues The second component involves moving f. Once the curves are established and simultaneously. for at least two to five minutes each your chest is open, allowing you to hour. When we move, skeletal muscles breathe fully, rest your hands on 6. Make fighting sitting disease a contract. This creates numerous benefits. your thighs and hold the position for priority in your office. Not only does our metabolism increase, several breaths. By integrating alignment and movement but the lymph system is activated, thus g. Enjoy the feelings of support and lift into the way you do business, you can improving our immunity to various create a culture of health and caring infections. Movement must, however, be that are available each time you place your body in correct alignment. that benefits both employees and your interspersed throughout the day. If, like organization. Alert, healthy and happy many of us, you take an aerobics class, run staff members are more productive and several miles each morning, or exercise in 2. Get up and move for a few minutes have lower healthcare costs. some other strenuous way, that will lead every hour. to many health benefits. Unfortunately, This could involve a two-minute walk Once we take responsibility for our isolated exercise will not take the place of to get a glass of water or a cup of your bodies, even in very small ways, positive moving every hour. Both are vital. favorite beverage. Getting away from your change is inevitable. What a great way to Try one or more of the suggestions below desk to eat lunch, strolling to a colleague’s start the New Year! or invent your own—then get ready to feel work station rather than emailing, or better and become more productive. pacing while on the phone all help. Using Judy Metz is the CEO of Sit Tech, these and other opportunities to move a company dedicated to 1. Employ “power sitting” several times once an hour changes your position and eliminating sitting disease in the each day to create healthy body improves your circulation. workplace through onsite, alignment. interactive workshops. She believes in putting a. Create a space between your back and 3. Add a little stretching. people in charge of their lives in meaningful the back of your chair by sliding your Stand and interlace your fingers behind ways by helping them form healthy habits. hips to the front of the seat. your head. Bend to the side, take a deep Reach her at [email protected].

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csaenet.org | winter 2016 | 21 INDUSTRYfavorites

Proudly Redefining the CPA Experience ach quarter we will ask CSAE Members to share their favorite industry supplier . EFor this issue we received your favorite Bookkeeping/Accounting Service providers .

WHIPPLEWOOD ACCOUNTING ALLIANCE INC. Contact: Jean Nightingale CPAs Phone: 720 .870 .0929 Email: jean@acctgalliance .com Jean Nightingale with Accounting Alliance Inc did a very good job for us at Augustana Arts – Marsha Temple Accounting Services RUBINBROWN, LLP Audit, Review & Contact: Jeff Cunningham Compilation Services Phone: 303 .698 .1883 Business Consulting Email: jeff .cunningham@rubinbrown .com Website: www .rubinbrown .com Employee Benefit Audits A long-standing member of CSAE, RubinBrown, LLP, founded in 1952, is one of the na- tion’s leading accounting and professional consulting firms with locations in many US cit- Payroll Services ies . RubinBrown is a full-service firm that combines technical and industry expertise . – JT

Personal Success SCHAEFER & ASSOCIATES Planning Contact: Michael Schaefer, CPA Phone: 303 .861 .1040 Taxation Services AIA Colorado contracts with Michael Schaefer and his staff for 990s as well as bank reconciliations and bookkeeping assistance – Cathy Rosset www.whipplewoodcpas.com THE ACCOUNTING RESOURCE LLC Contact: Jessica Schaller, MBA Phone: 303 .588 .9565 Email: jschaller@jsaccountingresource .com Jessica has done our books for the last five years or so and we are very pleased with her work and her response time – Lois Rice, CAE

THE BUSINESS MANAGER Contact: Debbi Warden Phone: 303 .681 .2200 Email: dwarden@thebusinessmanager .com Website: www .thebusinessmanager .com We use The Business Manager . They are very good! – Todd O’Connell I encourage you to contact Debbi Warden of the Business Manager – Mary Medley

WHIPPLEWOOD CPAS Contact: Ron Bass, CPA Phone: 303 .989 .7600 Email: ron@whipplewoodcpas .com Website: whipplewoodcpas .com WhippleWood CPAs has been long-standing active members of CSAE . They provide a full range of cost-effective accounting services, from bookkeeping to audit . They excel at redefining the CPA Experience . Dynamic, Exciting, Fun – making the complex under- standable . – JT

FINALLY! Performance Assessment That Works

Book review by Francine Butler, PhD, CAE, CMP, President, Empressa Consulting

he book jacket references an article in Forbes magazine 9) Staff is skeptical of the process . Everyone says they want reporting that 85% of companies believe their perfor- feedback and what they mean is “positive feedback ”. mance management systems to be only “moderately ef- T ) fective ”. The goal of this book is to offer a simple and effective 10 In large organizations the process can break down . alternative . The book speaks to three audiences: employees 11) If not done right, the outcome is corporate liability . who often don’t know how to communicate their value, managers who dread assessments, and organizations that use the 12) Tying performance to compensation is difficult . same ineffective procedures continually . A new school of thought is to eliminate performance as- The author cites a dozen reasons why traditional assessment sessments totally . Ideally, a hybrid system would be imple- is lacking: mented that allows the manager and staff member to have meaningful discussion about performance, which would also 1) Tying individual goals to corporate or organizational make the human resources (legal) department happy because goals is difficult to impossible . So the Board says “increase membership by 10% ”. How does that translate it provides documentation . The author calls this Big 5 Perfor- to the personal goals of the membership staff? mance Management. Big 5 Performance Management is defined as a simple process 2) Goals are seldom reliable for an entire year because that asks each employee to identify his/her five most significant conditions change constantly . accomplishments since the last reporting period . The system provides a framework to assess what was done, how well it was done 3) Metrics don’t always tell the whole story and most jobs and whether the staff member improved capacity by doing it . The don’t lend themselves to precise measurement . employee owns the process . 4) Some metrics can be manipulated by the employee . The author suggests this be done on a monthly basis . No spe- cial forms are required and reports should not exceed one page . 5) Metrics can also be manipulated by management . Five accomplishments is not absolute . It could be 3-7 . Reports are submitted on the fifth day of the month . The manager’s job is to 6) The process is not staff driven . review and reply to the employee reports . 7) The process of “annual feedback” is dated . In this world There are four obstacles to successful implementation; the of electronic communication, anything older than two author offers ways to overcome them: weeks is yesterday’s news . • The manger is responsible for tracking the employee’s comple- 8) Managers expend too much time on the process . tion of the report, not HR .

24 | winter 2016 | csaenet.org • There is a temptation to add more to the process . The final “10 Commandments of Management Emotional Intel- Keep it simple . ligence” apply to any manager in any setting: 1) Do the right thing . • Legal and HR may want more “detailed information ”. 2) Always tell the truth . • Management responses to the individual increase 3) Tell your team as much as you can . the value of the process . No response equals a meaningless process . 4) Seek win-win solutions . 5) Forgive mistakes quickly . If corrective action is required, the author suggests staying with the more traditional processes that are legally defensible . 6) Trust people until they prove you wrong . The final chapter focuses on how to implement such a process 7) Be patient . and how to address the kinds of problems that might occur . The 8) Share credit and take blame . author includes an appendix of sample management monthly ) reports, an appendix with sample manager responses, and one 9 Appreciate and acknowledge the contributions of others . describing the benefits of the program . 10) Put the needs of your team ahead of your own .

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csaenet.org | winter 2016 | 25 MEMBER spotlight

WHY ARE YOU A MEMBER OF CSAE? I am excited to call Denver home for the long term, and I joined CSAE to build new professional relationships and to get exposure to the many amazing things happen- ing in the state’s association industry! I am always looking for opportunities to partner with other professionals and organizations to try out new ideas and solutions to common industry challenges .

HOW DID YOU BEGIN YOUR ASSOCIATION CAREER? I had limited exposure to association membership as a student other than my frater- nity . When I graduated I thought it would be fun to work on a university campus with student organizations and events, which I was positive would be the direction of my long-term career . I had the opportunity to join my first professional association and immediately started volunteering . Over the course of the next 10 years, I held a variety of mid- and high-level volunteer positions in several associations, and I realized that my passions aligned more with association management and meeting planning . I made the choice to actively pursue that option later in my career path, and have found it Kyle Fariss Jordan, CMP, Director to be rewarding and fulfilling . of Chapter Development for Gamma Phi Beta International Sorority. WHAT HAS CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR SUCCESS? My failures have contributed to most of my “success ”. I’ve made mistakes, but I Photograph courtesy of Kyle Fariss Jordan have used all of them as catalysts to make myself a better person and professional .

WHAT IS YOUR PASSION, AND HOW BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE: DOES IT INSPIRE YOU IN YOUR WORK? I have an extensive background working in college student affairs, having held positions at To learn courageously, lead ethically, and Appalachian State University, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Washington State inspire widely . Even though I left higher University, and Western Oregon University . I left Higher Education to work as an education- education formally, the majority of the work al consultant for the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services where I focused I do has me interacting with college stu- on curriculum development, testing, credentialing, and meeting planning . Prior to joining dents on a regular basis . The Gamma Phi Gamma Phi Beta, I served as Director of Member Engagement at Synergos Association Beta International Sorority was founded in Management Company in Fort Collins, Colorado . 1874, and it takes great deal of focus for

26 | winter 2016 | csaenet.org our organization to be both modern and to provide women, men, and children with a traditional enough to honor our history . supportive atmosphere and athletic training That’s a delicate balance to strike with so they can skate competitively at regional college-aged members . or national levels . #DRDMVP

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR I am always exploring new food venues GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? and breweries here at home and on my I don’t think I’ve had that moment yet . I’ve travels . I am a huge airline enthusiast, and I had the opportunity to do a lot of things, can often be caught listening to various air but I still have way too many things on my traffic control towers all across the world . bucket list! Sports are a big part of my life, and I enjoy- ing running and hiking when I can . WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE ASPIRATIONS? WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT Now that I have settled down in Denver, KNOW ABOUT YOU? I am really looking to leave my mark and I am an official and the recently elected would love to serve an organization long- president of Denver Roller Derby . We strive term in an executive director capacity .

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csaenet.org | winter 2016 | 27 Another Member Benefit from CSAE

SAE has a closed LinkedIn Group devoted exclusively to members . You can ask and receive answers from colleagues, as well Cas share association information . For staff with specific interests, a subgroup has been formed for associate members, executive directors, Monthly breakfasts, luncheons and happy marketing and communication specialists, young professionals, member- hours that allow all members to connect, ship specialists, education and event specialists . Now, you can receive the share, and learn. most current information and talk to others who, like you, are dealing with • March 4, 2016 specific issues in a particular arena . Luncheon Renaissance Denver Downtown To join LinkedIn simply sign up at www .linkedin .com/reg/join . Create • April 7, 2016 a profile and upload your headshot or other image . Determine your Presentation and Reception privacy settings . Embassy Suites Denver Stapleton To join a CSAE group and subgroups on LinkedIn, find the group • May 5, 2016 (members-only) by searching for “CSAE Colorado Society of Association Luncheon Executives ”. Click “Join” and your request will be verified against the CSAE Location TBD membership list for approval within one week . • June 3, 2016 Breakfast Please review the group rules for actively participating in CSAE’s LinkedIn Location TBD Groups: Per CSAE policy, this online forum is designed solely for the purpose • July 8, 2016 of CSAE member networking regarding association management issues and Luncheon may not be used to promote specific offers, events, products or services . If Hilton Garden Inn Downtown you are interested in promoting a specific offer, event, product or service, • August 4, 2016 please use the Promotions tab . Any specific questions about promoting prod- Luncheon ucts or services may be directed to Joan Tezak at joant@csaenet .org . Renaissance at Stapleton LinkedIn is one of the most popular tools used by association profes- • September 9, 2016 Luncheon sionals today . An informal survey of members showed that many CSAE Wellshire Event Center members are continually connected to LinkedIn . Now, you can expand your • October 6, 2016 communication by tapping into CSAE’s specific groups for additional Q&A . Presentation and Reception Join and start participating today . Colorado Automobile Dealers Association • November 4, 2016 By Joan (JT) Tezak, CAE, CMP, Executive Director, Luncheon Colorado Society of Association Executives Denver Marriott Tech Center • December 2, 2016 Holiday Luncheon Marriott City Center

March 16-17, 2016 Meetings Industry Council Education & Trade Show Colorado Convention Center

May 25-27, 2016 Annual CSAE Conference Four Seasons Resort & Residences 1 Vail Road Vail, CO 81657