Ask an Executive Director, A Panel Discussion

To end a great year of discussions, MSAE's Young Professionals hosted a panel discussion with three executives directors. This discussion gave audience members a chance to hear three successful executive directors stories into association work, learn what daily tasks an executive directors faces as well as see what it takes to be an executive director.

2010 Panelists:
Kathy Johnson, MSAE
Bob Fitch, MN Nursery & Landscape Association
Dara Rudick, MN Commercial Association of Real Estate

Here are the top takeaways from this meeting:

1. Say what you are going to do and do it
2. Make 1 + 1 = 3
3. Have systems in place, you can always fall back on them
4. Build personal relationships with your board members
5. Have a clear chain of command
6. Remember you are not alone, there are others out there to help
7. Sometimes you have to go backwards to go forward
8. Choose your battles
9. You are going to wish you knew what you know now, back then
10. Don’t sweat the small stuff
11. Make sure to have work/life balance
12. Never stop learning
13. Build relationships, network – build on these relationships when you don’t need anything, because one day when you need something they will be there for you
14. Don’t ask, demand or request without bringing a solution or suggestions with you
15. Understand constructive criticism makes you stronger

This was a great discussion with stories, examples and wonderful audience participation. MSAE looks forward to another executive director panel in 2011.