Your association started the year with a clear strategy. Targets were set, objectives defined, and plans developed in consultation with members.
But the the political and economic environment can shift rapidly, and member priorities evolve overnight. Suddenly, the roadmap that once felt robust now feels out of step.
In these moments, associations face a difficult question:
Should you abandon your plan and pivot to respond to immediate pressures? Or should you remain committed to your original course and risk becoming disconnected from your members’ most urgent concerns?
There is no simple answer. In truth, the best path often lies somewhere in between.
But in an unpredictable environment, two principles are essential:
Stay close to your members. Avoid assumptions about what your members think or expect, particularly in times of heightened sensitivity or rapid change. Are you engaging with the breadth of your membership, not just the large or loud voices? Regular check-ins, open dialogue, and active listening will give you the clearest picture of their current needs, not the priorities they had the last time you spoke.
Take time to reflect and assess. Reacting too quickly can lead to missteps. Allow space to digest the impact of unfolding events. Thoughtful analysis is why your members trust you. It's essential to understanding how shifts in the external landscape affect your members and your mission.
Don't jettison your principles. When faced with uncertainty, continue to remain transparent and accountable. Even when the path forward is unclear, if your members trust your leadership and believe you are acting in their best interests, they will continue to trust your leadership.
In politically and economically volatile times, your members look to you for clarity, stability, and support. It's never too late to ensure your association is equipped to provide it. Not just through a fixed plan, but through adaptability and informed decision-making.