Systems-Based Management

Turnover is no stranger to association boards. But that influx of new blood and new ideas comes at a price. As board members leave office, they take with them the value of lessons learned and experience gained. The time it takes new board members and officers to “re-learn” that knowledge often has tangible consequences: lost time, unnecessary effort, inefficient use of resources, even costly mistakes that hamper growth.

To help make the transition as seamless and efficient as possible, CMP Management uses a unique systems-based management style. We’ve found that this approach alleviates not only the strain of transitioning board members, but also the strain of transitioning the association management company itself.

By documenting every action we take on behalf of our clients, we provide not only transparency into all of our management services, but we also create a lasting “systems roadmap” that helps reduce organizational inefficiencies, lower unnecessary costs and streamline operations.

Some of our specific system-oriented tools include:

Operations Manuals
We develop and provide each board member a comprehensive “operations manual” that specifically defines the duties of each position and notes key dates when some of those duties occur. An iterative “lessons learned” section helps preserve — and grow — an institutional knowledge base, ensuring that new members transition into their roles smoothly and effectively. As a result, they spend less time learning the demands of the new position and more time furthering the causes of the association.

Checks and Balances
In volunteer-run organizations, it’s not unusual for key tasks to remain undone because of confusion over areas of responsibility. To prevent that, CMP Management develops checks and balances for all our systems to ensure that all aspects of an association’s operations are carried out and documented.

Individualized Style Guides
To help ensure consistent organizational branding and publications standards, we also develop individualized style guides for each association. Sections on graphic guidelines, written communications, press releases, and overall messaging provide an authoritative reference for graphic designers, officers and board members, media relations personnel and others.

Our client systems are designed to grow with an organization. Customized to fit the needs of each individual client, they are a valuable tool for helping any association make the best use of its time, talent and resources.

For more information on how we can help your association achieve its goals, contact us today.