Yesterday, I was introduced to a lady who said she knew my name. I didn’t know hers. As we talked, we discovered that we were past presidents of the same organization, but at least a decade had passed between my term and hers.
As we talked, she told me how successful the organization is now. The signature event is getting better attendance each year. All appears to be well.
My term was a bit different. I was asked to take on the presidency to turn the organization around. That was a very challenging year, but we did turn it around. That year we birthed the signature fundraiser, but not without some severe labor pains.
When she mentioned the fundraiser, I owned launching it in my term, but chose not to mention how challenging it was.
There was no point in discussing the challenges I faced as president. Had we not succeeded, we would not have been having this discussion.
Organizations go through phases. Some never make it through a rough patch.
When you take on a presidency, if the organization is thriving, your job is not to break it. If the organization is sick, your job is to heal it.
Hopefully, you will fully understand the health of the organization before assuming the presidency. But that is not always the case.
Here are some questions to ask before accepting the presidency.
- Is the organization fiscally sound? Ask to see financial statements.
- Is it growing, stable or losing members? Ask specifics.
- Are there major initiatives underway? Are they working?
- Are there internal differences of opinion among board members?
The answers to all of the above need not be good news, but at least you will know what you are getting into.
