by Mary Byers | Mar 31, 2021 | Blog, Conversation Starters
What traits do innovative cultures have in common? The graphic above shows six. Though this isn’t a complete list, it’s a good place to start. If you’re lacking in any of these areas, your innovation culture isn’t as strong as it could be. You can download the...
by Mary Byers | Mar 26, 2021 | Blog, Conversation Starters, Strategies for Success
The headwinds against association innovation are strong. It’s clear that comfort, status quo, complacency and inertia represent business as usual. How do we move—collectively as staff and board—to discomfort, disruption, and industriousness? We plan for it. Business...
by Mary Byers | Mar 12, 2021 | Blog, Conversation Starters, Strategies for Success
In 2012, Michigan farmers experienced a gut-punch: the worst year on record since 1925 due to a deep freeze. Apple growers picked only 10-15 percent of their normal crop. Tart cherry production dropped by a whopping 92 percent. Peaches, pears and plums had essentially...
by Mary Byers | Mar 3, 2021 | Blog, Conversation Starters, Strategies for Success
An association innovation process map makes it easier to understand what happens when and how it will happen. It assists staff in understanding their respective creation roles. And, importantly, it makes it easier to emphasize the importance of innovation during new...
by Mary Byers | Feb 25, 2021 | Blog, Strategies for Success
Associations have been innovating on the fly for a year now. How have our habits changed as a result? What creativity muscles have we strengthened? More importantly, how can we take what we’ve learned and make it a part of our culture going forward? I’m joining with...
by Mary Byers | Jan 27, 2021 | Blog, Relevant Thoughts, Strategies for Success
I’d like to add the word “hybrid” to the list of most overused pandemic-era words. (It’s right up there with “unprecedented” in my book.) Despite the overuse, it IS the word of the moment for associations—and I’d like to dig a little deeper into the concept. A hybrid...
