03/13/2025

Lessons from a Fruit Fly

Associations leaders must practice agility with greater ease

The association world is thriving. Membership is growing, events are roaring back to life, and the economy is strong. But there’s more to this success story than meets the eye. The most successful associations have something in common—they’ve embraced agility.

Agility is not a word you’d typically use with associations. Historically, associations have been known for their measured pace, methodical planning, and carefully siloed operations. Yet the pandemic forced associations to break down barriers, move faster, and take risks they never would have considered. One client shifted from a monthly content schedule to a daily one—overnight. Another went from revising their strategic plan every five years to revisiting it every quarter. What prompted these dramatic shifts? Urgency. Associations that adapted quickly didn’t just survive the pandemic, they thrived.

Associations must keep that agility alive, and the humble fruit fly offers inspiration.

Please select this link to read the complete article from ASAE’s Center for Association Leadership.