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January 7, 2009News for association and chamber leaders
 
  Business Leadership 
  • "Kind truths" might get in-kind reactions
    When trying to manage the boss, neither cozying up nor rising up is likely to be effective. Instead, says author and consultant Patrick Lencioni, try the "kind truth" approach: Show you understand and empathize with the situation your manager is facing, then offer "a well-intentioned suggestion about how he can do a better job." If that doesn't work, Lencioni says, it might be time to dust off your resume. The Wall Street Journal (free content) (1/2) Email this Story
  • 5 bad habits that snare new leaders
    New bosses struggling to obtain quick wins are prone to focus too much on detail, react badly to criticism, bully, micromanage and make snap judgments, a survey of 5,400 new leaders and their managers found. "In some cases, they manage to get the outcome they were seeking in a narrow sense, but the process isn't pretty, the fallout is toxic, and their ability to lead is compromised," the authors of this report write. Harvard Business Review (1/2009) Email this Story
  • How to start over
    When faced with a crisis such as a layoff or illness, true entrepreneurs find a way to reinvent themselves. Former cheerleader Paula Deen transformed herself into a celebrity cook through sheer hard work after a divorce left her destitute. And designer Sigrid Olsen channeled her creative energies into an art gallery after a corporate strategy shift closed the chain of clothing stores that had made her famous. Forbes (12/30) Email this Story
  • Why now's not the time to lay low
    Communications consultant Michael W. Kempner writes that companies should speak openly with their customers and employees about their plans to cope with the economic downturn. Kempner advises CEOs to define success and emphasize key messages, keeping in mind that no news definitely is not good news. Chief Executive (November/December 2008) Email this Story
  • What does your desk say about you?
    Looking to clean up your act in 2009? Experts say a cluttered desk often is a symptom of poor work habits. For instance, too much junk on the desk might indicate you need to delegate more. As for the old rule about touching a piece of paper only once: That's "probably true only of toilet paper," one professional organizer says. Financial Times (free content) (1/5) Email this Story
  Quick Poll 
  • Poll: Is kindness really the best policy in the corporate world?
    Look for results from this poll in next week's brief.
Yes.
Kindness has its place, but it's not always the best policy.
No -- kindness equals weakness in the corporate world.

  CEO Update 
CEO Update and U.S. Chamber SmartBrief partner to bring you exclusive association and other nonprofit reports and career listings.
  • Executive careers
     
    New leaders: Asian American Journalists Association; Word of Mouth Marketing Association; Young Presidents' Organization-World Presidents' Organization.

    Searches under way: Association of Neighborhood & Housing Development; Friends of the Earth-US; Interest on Lawyer Account.

    Visit CEO Update to learn about the new heads and new opportunities

    Email this Story
  • Up-to-date data
     
    CEO turnover: While there were fewer new CEOs named in 2008 than 2007, more high-profile CEOs were named in 2008. Association Intelligence tracks 1,890 national associations and nonprofits with budgets higher than $1.7 million. Within those organizations, 39% of new CEOs joined groups with budgets of more than $10 million, rising from 28% of new CEOs in that category in 2007. Find out more at AssociationIntelligence Email this Story
  Chamber Spotlight 
  • Indiana chamber pushes for better adult education
    The Indiana Chamber of Commerce wants a more coordinated adult-education training program among the 20-plus programs at Ivy Tech Community College, the Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. "Given our state's current economic climate and unemployment rates, it's imperative that we focus on effectively retraining workers sooner rather than later," said Kevin Brinegar, chamber president. The Indianapolis Star (1/7) Email this Story

FedEx Delivers Value, Reliability and Proven Performance
In these uncertain times of overall economic challenges, there are many things affecting the shipping industry. You may be concerned about how changes might affect your service experience.

It is important to have service choices, flexibility and options you can rely on in order to effectively manage your costs. Be assured FedEx remains strong and reliable.

U.S. Chamber members receive special discounts of up to 26% on select FedEx® services and up to 20% on select FedEx OfficeSM services. To enroll click here or call 800-345-6227.


  Association Watch 
  • Payers want a voice in neighborhood meetings on health care reform
    Thousands of house parties and neighborhood meetings are planned across the country to discuss health reform, and health insurers hope their satisfied members, as well as their employees, participate. America's Health Insurance Plans is "encouraging industry employees" to attend, a spokesman said. NYTimes.com (12/16) Email this Story
  • Munis could be good fit for long-term investors
    Buyers are finding bargain prices in the municipal bond market as concerns continue over the sector. "There could be more volatility in the year ahead, but if you have a longer-term horizon we think they are very good investments," said Miriam Sjoblom, a mutual fund analyst at Morningstar. SIFMA has created a Web site -- www.investinginbonds.com -- to provide investors with pricing and basic buying information about bonds. Google/The Associated Press (1/6) Email this Story
  U.S. Chamber News 
  • Corporate Community Investment
    Submit your nomination for the 2009 Siemens Sustainable Community Awards for a great opportunity to showcase how your community is working to promote economic and environmental sustainability, and to inspire other communities to do the same. The nomination period closes on Jan. 30. Winners will be announced on May 4 at BCLC's National Conference on Corporate Community Investment in Chicago.  For more information on how to apply and to view winners in the 2008 awards program, visit BCLC's Web site or call 202-463-3133. Email this Story
  • New Realities, New Opportunities
    Chambers across the nation have a clear leadership role to play as communities change to address new trends and challenges. As the president of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber in North Carolina describes in his recent article, "New Realities, New Opportunities," sustainability poses a new opportunity for chambers to rally local leaders and resources behind efforts to advance long-term community and economic development. Because of the Chapel Hill chamber's sustainability programs and partnerships, the community was awarded the inaugural Siemens Sustainable Community Award in April 2008. If your chamber is involved in efforts to advance your community's competitiveness and long-term success by improving economic, environmental and social conditions, please consider nominating your community for this year's Sustainable Community Award. Details are online and the nomination deadline is Jan. 30. Email this Story
  U.S. Chamber Member Benefits 
  • Salesgenie Mapping -- New Feature for U.S. Chamber Members
    Salesgenie.com has partnered with Google Maps™ to provide more than directions to a location and easy, familiar navigation features. Salesgenie Mapping provides Chamber members fast, relevant, accurate information to locate current prospects and find other opportunities when traveling or working outside the office. Save time with Salesgenie's mapping feature, call 866-453-7519 or visit here. Email this Story
  Editor's Note 
  • Poll results: What New Year's resolution should your organization make?
    From last week's poll:
      • 34% said increase employee job satisfaction.
      • 63% said stay profitable.
      • 3% said hire, hire, hire!
    Email this Story
 
  SmartQuote 
A little praise is not only merest justice but is beyond the purse of no one."
--Emily Post,
author on social conduct


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