Every year, Lake Superior State University in Michigan publishes its list of banished words. Its 2008 list should be released shortly. In a similar vein, I’d like to create a list of new association words introduced during the previous year. Unfortunately, I’m not privy to all the new words entering the not-for-profit lexicon, so I need your assistance. I’ll get the ball rolling with a few new words I’ve heard this year, and I hope you’ll add your own in the comments.
- Adhocracy (n.): A organizational structure that emphasizes short-term assignments rather than standing committees.
- Ungovernance (n.): An association governance model grounded in three simple beliefs:
- Associations exist to create value for a set or sets of stakeholders. Associations do not exist to be governed, but do require appropriate stewardship to ensure their value-creation efforts will thrive.
- Innovation is about creating new value. Despite its difficulties, innovation is a remarkably effective way to deliver the value members, customers, and stakeholders need and to build a strong, enduring organization.
- The focus of association stewardship must be the business model. Every other responsibility of governing the association must connect back to ensuring its sustainability for the long term.
I know there are others, and I have at least one more buried in the nether reaches of my brain. Please add your own new terms to the comments and I’ll publish a full list in a few days.
Tagged: Association Management; Associations; CAE; Certified Association Executive
