Conversation starters.

Want to conduct an eye-opening, strategic conversation with key staff? Consider this suggestion from Donna F. Dunn, executive director of the American Agricultural Economics Association, Ames, Iowa; Every year Dunn has individual, out-of-the office, no-interruptions-allowed discussions with her senior staff. "I have found this to be highly educational for all involved, especially for me," she says. Staff gets "my undivided attention because we go to the coffee house next door away from phones, e-mail, and interruptions. I actually block out a half day for each person and use whatever feels right of that time [block]. To kick it off, I e-mail each of them questions to think about."

In need of some fresh ideas, Dunn recently asked fellow association executives to share, via ASAE's Executive Management Section listserver, their thought-provoking, conversation-starting questions. Here are some responses:

* Which of our members has taught you something memorable this year? What did you value about that experience or interaction?

* What was the last idea you had that you think is worthwhile but decided not to share because you thought someone would put it down or treat it as not workable?

* If you could create a business card just for you, what would it look like and what would you put on it?

* When you are away from the office and think about your work life, what kind of feelings do you get (e.g., pleasure, anxiety, frustration)? Why, and what do you think could be done (about the negative feelings)?

--Diane James, CAE, executive director, Jacobs Institute of Women's Health, Washington, D.C.; [e-mail]

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

* What is the core purpose of our organization? What are we really here to do? What would be missed if we did not exist?

* What are we doing that we shouldn't be? What are we missing?

* What big opportunities have we yet to grasp?

* What are the hurdles that are stopping us from seizing those opportunities?

--Gary Arcus, general manager, MPA Skills, the Plumbing and Painting Training Company, Maylands, Western Australia; [e-mail]

* Who are our major competitors and what are you hearing from or about them on the challenges they face?

* What two or three best ideas that apply to your work have you gotten from the books or magazines that you are reading? What books or magazines would you recommend to me?

--John W. Ross, executive vice president, Appraisal Institute, Chicago; [e-mail]

* If you had the position of CEO, what's the first project that you would tackle and why?

* What is the one thing you would do differently? What is the first thing you would change?

--Laurie Reuben, president and CEO, Cheshire Consulting Group, LLC, Laurel, Maryland; [e-mail]

* What should I pay more attention to?

* What should I do more of?

* How does my travel affect you?

* Are there times when volunteers make your job easier? When? Why?

--Doug Kleine, CAE, executive director, National Association of Housing Co-ops, Washington, D.C.; [e-mail]