Article

By Jim Keon, President & CEO
One of the challenges for an association executive is to manage the complex public policy issues that are confronting an industry while also strengthening the internal functioning of the organization. Jim Keon, President of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association, reports on how he has been addressing different aspects of that challenge.

“During the past few years we have instituted several new processes that have improved both our planning and implementation. Four years ago, our Board of Directors developed a long range plan built around a Strategic Framework. The Strategic Framework includes our Vision Statement, four pillars of Success, measurable Strategic Objectives and key initiatives.

We use the Strategic Framework as a road map. It guides the development of our annual Work Plans. It helps to ensure that staff and committees’ efforts are aligned to the strategic direction of our organization.

It is very easy to “get blown off course because of the strength of the current gale”. Our strategic framework and work plans help us to remain focussed on other critical issues that need attention during periods of high stress.

We also recognize that a huge internal component is our system of committees. In fact, it’s the cumulative experience of all the committee members that determines much of the perceived value of our organization. Therefore, we have been implementing a Committee Effectiveness Project to ensure our committees are:

• Aligned to the overall direction of the association
• Conducting better meetings and
• Improving their overall committee productivity.

There are no silver bullets; however, I believe our improved strategic and operational planning along with the committee effectiveness project is helping us to deliver increased member value”.