The expertise you have today might be less relevant five to ten years from now. This is the irony of thought leadership. If you’re steeped in your area of expertise for too long, it becomes harder and harder to foresee changes or put forth new ideas.

All successful organizational shifts, digital or otherwise, need leaders who support the change and actively and visibly participate in it. But most importantly, be clear on WHY you are changing and WHAT is changing. Without that clarity, we are missing the foundational blocks for success.

Associations, like all member-based organizations, must continue to adapt, evolve, and consistently evaluate how it creates and delivers value in a digital economy to remain relevant, representative, and influential.

Many of Canada’s non-profit leaders and association executives are worried they are falling behind. While I do know that the successful integration of technology does require some specific knowledge and skillsets, at the end of the day I believe what really drives greater digital adoption is something most non-profit leaders have in their toolboxes already.