June 2019
The missing piece of the
puzzle?
One of the final talks on the second day
was on the subject of young leadership
within associations – another piece of the
puzzle which many seem to be lacking.
Judging by those in attendance at AWC 19,
there is not an abundance of young leaders
within today’s associations, and many
who joined the discussion were candid
in admitting they had struggled to bring
young people in.
Drilona Shtjefni, deputy secretary
general at the European Biomass Industry
“Marketing and
attracting young
leaders seemed to be
missing links in the
association world”
Leadership
Association, spoke about her experience
of being a young person in a leadership
role. “As an industry, we need to be giving
young workers the opportunities to take
leadership opportunities,” she said. “We
need to be letting them know their ideas
are valued - don’t treat young people as
subordinates, but as business partners.”
Association certified coach John Scarrott
also weighed in with some advice for
aspiring young leaders. “Be a leader today,
don’t wait for the opportunity tomorrow,”
he said. “Be a good listener – ask active,
supportive questions and empathise with
your colleagues. If you’ve listened, you’ll be
listened to.”
Associating with greatness
The Associations World Congress proved
to be an effective sounding board for some
of the big problems the sector is facing
in 2019. It highlighted the importance of
good communication, both internally and
17
externally. Internally, associations need to
clarify their objectives, and give space for
young leaders to develop. Externally, they
need to get better at telling people what
they do, and why they do it.
They could certainly take some pointers
from the sustainable city of Gothenburg,
too. It presented plenty of new ideas,
and opportunities to network with top
association leaders over three days in
Sweden. Association Event Manager is
glad to have been associated with the
Association of Association Executives’
Associations World Congress 2019.
Association.