Smooth The Path

Member Informed Strategy, Innovation & Marketing

October 12, 2015 By Amanda Kaiser

What to do About Under Performing Chapters?

support

The carrot or the stick. A supporting response or a punitive response. What do we do with the non-performing chapters?

Perhaps we ignore non-performing chapters because while affiliated with us they are separate entities run by separate leadership. We’ve made the decision that they are self-supporting and self-regulated therefore we largely ignore them.

Except…

Except under performing chapters impact member engagement for the national association as well. So if we are not going to ignore them we have three models to consider.

The franchise model

The first is the franchise model which is not just for franchises because TEDx events follow this model as do public schools. The franchise model sets up a set of strict parameters to follow and if the franchisee starts to fall short they risk being kicked out of the franchise. This works well for some but for associations we may force already less engaged members to become disenfranchised (little pun here).

The loving parent model

Another model is the loving parent model. When parents have kids that hit some bumps in the road they pay more attention, spend more time and allocate more resources to get the kids back on track.  We have the data to see when a chapter is just at the edge of floundering. When we see these tell tail signs we can offer more services, support and encouragement.

The network model

A final idea is the network model. In fact this is not all that different than what associations do for members already. Associations connect members. How about if associations connect chapter leadership with each other? High performing chapters can tell others how they do it. They can discuss similar problems. Chapter leaders can share and avoid having to recreate the wheel every time. It’s always nice to meet someone like us.

Let’s not ignore under performing chapters. Let’s help the chapter leaders solve their problems and make them look good doing it!

Related:

  • Association chapters: this is what members wonder
  • Moving associations from talk to actual action
  • Not one of the association’s cool kids

Filed Under: Association Strategy, Chapter Tagged With: challenges, chapter, chapter leadership, chapter management, help, models, solutions, support

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