Future scan: a framework for a meaningful direction.Change is happening quick, fast and in a hurry. There is barely enough time to implement strategies and monitor how they unfold before another issue or impact is waiting at the door. Many associations are dealing with four or five issues at one time, while trying to keep in eye on future impacts unfolding in their environments. "Do more with less," appears to be the mantra mantra (măn`trə, mŭn–), in Hinduism and Buddhism, mystic words used in ritual and meditation. A mantra is believed to be the sound form of reality, having the power to bring into being the reality it represents. of many leadership structures. Q: STRATEGIC QUESTIONS: In face of massive change, where do you turn for an examination of a broad range of issues including, economic, global, social and technological with limited resources? How do you galvanize gal·va·nize tr.v. gal·va·nized, gal·va·niz·ing, gal·va·niz·es 1. To stimulate or shock with an electric current. 2. the leadership of your association around the current and future realities, while making radical shifts to stay relevant? A: ANSWER: The ASAE ASAE American Society of Association Executives ASAE American Society of Agricultural Engineers (Society for Engineering in Agricultural, Food, and Biological Systems) ASAE Alkali-Sulfite-Anthraquinone-Ethanol Foundation has monitored trends affecting the association community since 1995. Recognizing that current information about emerging trends is essential for discovering opportunities and developing strategies, the Foundation is committed to providing associations with the resources to be more nimble nim·ble adj. nim·bler, nim·blest 1. Quick, light, or agile in movement or action; deft: nimble fingers. See Synonyms at dexterous. 2. and avoid costly mistake by reacting too slow. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. ASAE Foundation study Facing the Future: A Report on Major Trends and Issues Affecting Associations (1999), the challenge facing every association is to uncover ways to implement and manage change successfully. Association boards and staff will have to anticipate the future and take action in the face of its uncertainties. Business as usual is out. Survival is in! In Exploring the Future: Strategic Conversations that Could Transform Your Association (2000), the Foundation explores emerging issues that could dramatically alter the future of associations. It provides a broad perspective on seven emerging issues in their early stages, with insights into how they are likely to impact associations in the near future. Exploring the Future also offers a framework to initiate strategic conversations around these issues with multiple stakeholders Stakeholders All parties that have an interest, financial or otherwise, in a firm-stockholders, creditors, bondholders, employees, customers, management, the community, and the government. in your organization. A Snapshot of the Seven Strategic Issues Transparency: Demands for greater openness and accountability are rapidly growing. Associations need to balance the organizational and social advantages of transparency with legitimate concerns about its disadvantages and limits. Meaning Matters: Meaning purpose, relationships, and contributes are the best way for associations to demonstrate value. In the midst Adv. 1. in the midst - the middle or central part or point; "in the midst of the forest"; "could he walk out in the midst of his piece?" midmost of rapid change, these lasting qualities are the best way to attract and retain members. Living Organizations: Associations need to resemble organic and self-organizing structures to adapt to change. To promote self-organization, leaders need to clarify their purpose and values, minimize bureaucracy, and understand the critical importance of knowledge sharing and trust. Learning Culture: Associations need to focus more on learning and less on teaching. The shift is away from continuing education continuing education: see adult education. continuing education or adult education Any form of learning provided for adults. In the U.S. the University of Wisconsin was the first academic institution to offer such programs (1904). to the facilitation Facilitation The process of providing a market for a security. Normally, this refers to bids and offers made for large blocks of securities, such as those traded by institutions. of continuous learning. Generational Synergy: There are four generations in the work force. Each generation has a contribution to make and roles it can play in the interaction with others. Fostering synergy unleash fresh perspectives and opportunities. Inclusivity: A rich tapestry tapestry, hand-woven fabric of plain weave made without shuttle or drawboy, the design of weft threads being threaded into the warp with fingers or a bobbin. of cultural backgrounds and viewpoints within associations can improve creativity, decision-making and programming. Shift from assimilating as·sim·i·late v. as·sim·i·lat·ed, as·sim·i·lat·ing, as·sim·i·lates v.tr. 1. Physiology a. To consume and incorporate (nutrients) into the body after digestion. b. differences to appreciating differences. Global + Local = Glocal: National decisions are being made on international and local levels. Smaller organizations are entering the global market. "Local Community" is being altered with the increase of virtual communities. Before your board and staff engage in strategic discussions about the future of your organization, consult the environmental scan resources of the ASAE Foundation. Facing the Future: A Report on the Major Trends and Issues Affecting Associations (1999), Embracing the Future: An Action Guide for Association Leaders (2000), Exploring the Future: Seven Strategic Conversations That Could Transform Your Association (2001). All are available at the ASAE Bookstore. www.asaenet.org/bookstore For a complimentary executive summary visit www.asaenet.org/foundation |
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