The Chapter Leaders Playground is LIVE!
Have you ever had an idea that in your bones you knew was good - and at the same time, didn’t know how to pull it off?
Originally, I got the tingling that better trained leaders are the missing link in a better world - and where better than chapters to […]
Andy Steggles is really smart. You should attend his upcoming Web 2.0 seminar next week.
Tagged: Association Management; Associations; CAE; Certified Association Executive
Got this reply from a reader I only know virtually. A guest post.
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To AE on the Verge:
My take on the recent blog is quite the opposite. I rewrote your post:
Creating your professional nightmare
At his imaginary retirement party (there was none), “Joe Smith” noted he had originally dreamed of being a CEO, innovator, or entrepreneur; but one day many years ago accepted an offer to be an “Executive Vice President” of an association. Hired by “very kind” association members, who said that was exactly what they wanted. He was at times a CEO, at times an innovator, and at times an entrepreneur but gradually they all were taken away. Now at the end of his career he kicked himself in the ass for not recognizing long ago that the members had changed, the promise had changed, and he had not. He still wanted to be what he wanted to be. He thanked “kind and supportive” peers (not members) who encouraged him to be what he “always wanted to be: CEO, innovator, or entrepreneur.” He found he could become what he wanted to be only by leaving.
It instantly struck me that we actually can create within our own careers whatever the dream is, because the position just might provide opportunities for such a vast range of activities. If we want to write, we can write. If we want to teach, we can teach. And much more. But if we cannot – then get the hell out immediately.?1. What’s your professional dream, and are you being encouraged to get there? If not it is a nightmare, not a dream. Wake up.
Very afraid of flying, but do it all the time - 5 flights this week, 4 next week. Flight last night so terrible that took big step - grabbing passenger next to me (did ask first) - held on for half hour - retired university arts professor from Oregon. Take flights though terrified because travel is requirement of job, like attending conferences, serve on national work groups, assist other associations, like seeing the world, and family lives in other states. That “face your fears” thing may not change it for the next flight, but will get you where you want to go. Doesn’t mean doing more than necessary - such as recreational jump out of plane or becoming a pilot.
Fear holds us back all the time. Fear of unknown, fear of not having regular paycheck, fear of audiences, fear of being controversial, fear of change … I even had fear of blogging. But there are always other passengers to grab …. and maybe it’s easier to take whatever that fearful step is knowing that.
What are you afraid to do … Could you maybe do it anyway?
In 2002, we visited Turkey for the first time, and the experience knocked us over. The people, the history, the carpets! And, our second trip was that and more. A place of contradiction, Turkey makes us face up to much…
At her retirement party tonight, Judith Lindenau noted she had originally dreamed of being a professional scholar, researcher, or poet; but one day 30 ago answered an ad to be an “Executive Secretary” of an association. Hired by “very kind” association members, without an understandable job description. Now at the end of career she thanked “kind and helpful” members who encouraged her to be what she “always wanted to be: a teacher, researcher and writer.” She found she became what she wanted to be.
It instantly struck me that we actually can create within our own careers whatever the dream is, because the position provides opportunities for such a vast range of activities. If we want to write, we can write. If we want to teach, we can teach. And much more …
Among those she thanked were the two association executives who were her mentors (pic). Imagine being able to thank the mentors of one of your own mentors.
1. What was your professional dream, and are you being encouraged to get there?
2. Have you thanked a mentor lately?
Technology is smaller and better than ever before. And more options. Discovered at breakfast this morning how many devices my friend Terry carries with her all the time, in a very small purse. See picture.
We’re more reachable than ever, and more able to research, upload, photograph, call, text, back-up, display, listen, and email too.
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