This post talks about lessons from the non-profit leadership sector that can apply to all types of organizations.

I am attending the AICPA – CPA/SEA (State Executives Association) in Dallas. The purpose is to gain leadership training and build partnerships with our elected leaders, each other and the AICPA. The meeting includes the CEOs of the state CPA societies and incoming volunteer leaders (chairs and presidents), along with AICPA Chief Executive Barry Melancon and AICPA Chair-elect Bob Harris.

The program is a custom edition of the ASAE and the Center for Association Leadership and features international consultant Glenn Tecker of Tecker Consultants. Here are his seven strategies to consider for turbulent times:

1. Carefully identify the programs that serve the most important needs of your members.
2. Focus on the core — core purpose/mission, core members, core products and services.
3. Try to be a source of things your members can no longer afford.
4. Be a source of stability. Communicate the power of staying together and give them a reason to stay in the boat with you. (Our profession has been around for more than 100 years and has survived worse crises.)
5. Have an up-to-date fiscal strategy and know your costs of programs.
6. Be a source of information that will help position your members for the upturn.
7. Don’t be scared and don’t panic. Don’t abandon a good strategy and don’t abandon an essential investment in your future.

Speaking of number 6, have you seen our resource page for the economic crisis?

You also might want to check out our town hall resources, which cover all of the breaking trends in the CPA profession to help you position yourself and your organization for the upturn.

Finally, a reminder that the CPA profession has been around since 1887 (and before) and has demonstrated resilience throughout many crises and downturns. We are entering this recession with our best reputation ever, the public trust and the strength of a united profession. I truly believe we will come out of this in stronger shape than ever if we stick together.

After all, isn’t that what associations are all about?