I just got finished listening to the words of NC State Basketball Coach Sidney Lowe in what was likely his last post-game press conference as NC State’s head coach and it really got me thinking about my role as an association executive. Come on, work with me here, I am trying to figure out a way to incorporate my real job into something I am passionate about – ACC Basketball. And with March Madness in full-swing, I am sick with it. OK?
So, where am I going with this? Well, during the interview, Coach Lowe made several references to about how passionate he was about his ball club. You know, here is a guy who has put a lot of blood, sweet and tears into this program. First as a player for Coach Jimmy V and as a player on the 1983 NCAA Championship Team and now as its head coach. He cares so much about this program and that is something in which fans can be extremely proud. There are not many as passionate as Lowe. Heck, look at at his recruiting.
Another thing NC State fans, and college basketball fans in general, can be very proud of is that Coach Lowe not only cares about NC State, he cares about his players. He wants them to grow-up and realize there is more than basketball after college. He is teaching these kids the facts of life and has graduated almost all his players. And the one, yes I said one, who hasn’t graduated is only eight hours away from completing his degree. Coach Lowe, that is something to be proud of and college basketball fans across the country applaud you.
So, you have a former national champion coming back to his alma mater to coach. And he has passion and dedication and a strong love of the game. That should all spell success, right? Well, not always. (Hear is where it becomes about work, ok? Just wait for it.) In the coaching world and in the world of an association professional, all these things – passion, knowledge of the profession, dedication, love of the profession, etc. – are all good, but in the end, we are all measured by our results.
If you are passionate about your association and have a great knowledge of the issues your members are dealing with but can’t translate that into membership growth or increased attendance at your annual conference or growth in your affinity program, then you have a problem and you might want to start getting the old resume’ dusted off.
As an organization’s leader, you need to have passion and you have to have desire and dedication, but you also have to have the skills to be able to get the job done. Passion is great. And it is something that can’t be taught. You either have it or you don’t. What can be taught are association management skills that help you take that passion and channel it to make things happen. (Enter shameless plug) That’s where organizations like the Association Executives of North Carolina (AENC) come in to help deliver opportunities for education and networking which help build executives.
A good leader and a good coach are one in the same. They must have passion and they must value excellence, but they also realize that you will be measured by your results. And as much as you are a really nice guy and have passion, if you ain’t growin’, you ain’t stayin’.
Enjoy the games!!!
Posted by thompi217 
