The Wise Old Owl or the Roadblock? How Past Presidents Can (and Can't) Guide Your Association's Future!
Ever been in a meeting where someone pipes up with, "Back in my day..."? We've all been there! It's that classic dance between the wisdom of experience and the fresh buzz of new ideas. And nowhere is this dance more fascinating (and sometimes, a little awkward) than in the world of associations, especially when it comes to past presidents.
Picture this: Your association is revving its engines, looking to innovate, embrace new tech, and perhaps even change its logo to something that doesn't scream "1998." Who do you turn to? The fresh-faced digital natives, or the seasoned leaders who've steered the ship through countless storms?
The "Been There, Done That" Goldmine 💰
Let's be real, past presidents are often a treasure trove of knowledge. They've seen it all! They know why that "brilliant" idea failed spectacularly in '07, or how to navigate a tricky political landscape because they've done it before. Their institutional memory can be priceless, saving current leaders from reinventing the wheel (or, worse, building a square one).
They can be mentors, sounding boards, and even peacekeepers when things get heated. Think of them as the wise old Gandalf of your organization, sharing ancient lore and powerful insights. This kind of experience isn't something you can just Google!
But Wait, There's a "How We've Always Done It" Caveat! 🚧
Ah, the flip side of the coin. Sometimes, that deep well of experience can also be... well, a little too deep. "We tried that, it didn't work." "That's not how we do things here." Sound familiar?
The challenge with past presidents, if their role isn't clearly defined, is the risk of becoming "shadow presidents" or inadvertently stifling innovation. Their immense respect and authority can sometimes make it hard for new ideas to get traction, even if those ideas are exactly what the association needs to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It's like trying to navigate a sleek new sports car with a map from 1985. Great for nostalgia, not so great for avoiding traffic.
The Sweet Spot: Wisdom + Vision = Winning Combo! ✨
So, how do you get the best of both worlds? How do you harness that incredible wisdom without getting stuck in the past?
The secret sauce is strategy and clarity.
- Define Their Role: Don't just let them hang around! Create specific roles for past presidents – perhaps an advisory council, a mentorship program for new board members, or leading special projects that leverage their specific expertise (like fundraising or historical archiving).
- Focus Their Input: Instead of broad oversight, ask them targeted questions. "Given your experience with X, what potential pitfalls do you see in our new Y initiative, and how might we avoid them?"
- Encourage Mentorship, Not Micro-management: Their greatest value might be in guiding and advising, empowering the current leadership to make their own mark, rather than dictating the path.
- Embrace Evolution: Remind everyone (including the past leaders!) that growth means change. While history teaches lessons, it shouldn't be a straitjacket.
Ultimately, the goal isn't to choose between the wise old owl and the eager young eagle. It's about getting them to fly together, with the owl sharing its knowledge of the terrain and the eagle showing off its new aerial maneuvers. When done right, this blend of experience and fresh perspective can make your association unstoppable!
Inspired by: Can a Past President Guide an Association’s Future?