How to Select a Head of an Association

What makes a good leader goes far beyond management abilities. A good leader possesses great communication skills, creative vision, and a deep commitment to the organization or association they represent. 

These are the types of qualities to keep in mind when looking for candidates for an academic association election to be included on ballots and in professional association online elections. Choosing a good leader is only one step in the process. Having a secure, seamless election is also important. 

Defining Types of Associations

Before considering potential leaders for an organization, it’s important to understand the type of organization in need of leadership. This varies across different kinds of associations, including academic associations and community associations.

Many associations are non-profit organizations, while others are professional groups. Depending on the association and its rules, there may be certain requirements one must meet before becoming a member. In some associations, members (not just leaders) may be selected through an election process.

Leading a Community

Associations play a critical role in everyday and professional life. Some set standards and key practices to follow, while others may be known for their resource-sharing abilities. 

At their core, associations are the most local form of representative democracy. Whether it's an academic or homeowners association, elected leaders are instrumental in developing their community and supporting the best interests of the members. These individuals have the ability to forge important relationships and, in turn, make a difference in the field or community they represent.

Guiding Lights: A Lesson on Leadership

Think of leadership like this–even on the most strenuous journeys, good leaders can serve as effective guiding lights leading you home.

Leaders drive an association’s mission and goals and ensure they are constantly being met. They are usually in charge of setting policy, overseeing strategy, managing finances, and providing guidance for members. They play a pivotal role in the success, stability, and sustainability of the association they represent.

There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding on who will be an effective, inspiring leader. First, finding the right fit involves aligning expertise and skill levels with an association’s specific needs. Consider professional capabilities, cultural alignment, and if this person meshes well with other members. 

Another must-have is the willingness of the potential candidate to serve. Lastly, it’s vital that they embrace diverse perspectives to foster an inclusive, dynamic decision-making environment. Asking questions and looking for these qualities not only makes for stronger leadership but also a stronger overall team.

Use ElectionBuddy to Select Your Next Leaders

Hosting an election gets simpler with each cycle, and more organizations and associations are turning to online and digital voting platforms for their elections.

ElectionBuddy promotes membership engagement while striving to make the selection of impactful, motivating leaders an effortless process. Known for its simplicity and user-friendliness, this platform is versatile and suitable for various types of elections from selecting leadership to addressing key issues that affect members.

With this voting tool, the election process is affordable, simple, and secure. It supports several ways to vote, and with email and SMS reminders, it is easy to remind voters of deadlines and increase voter turnout. ElectionBuddy can also be used for effective election management, whether that includes budgeting or voting on relevant rules and regulations academic associations need to follow.

This online voting platform can be accessed from anywhere and includes features such as customizable ballots, anonymous voting, multiple languages, and more. ElectionBuddy streamlines and simplifies the election process, including online and digital elections!