As leadership is more important now than ever, let me talk about two different aspects of leadership here at CFMA. The first form of leadership I’d like to discuss are the opportunities we provide our members, which are plentiful. I would also like to discuss and tout our leadership in assisting our chapters with educational and networking opportunities during these unusual and unprecedented times.
CFMA Leadership Opportunities
A bounty of leadership opportunities exist within CFMA. One of my favorite stories is about a former CFMA Chairman who was selected to be the CEO of a company partly because the senior leadership watched a YouTube video of him delivering his Chairman’s Message at CFMA’s Annual Conference & Exhibition. But, a myriad of other opportunities exist within CFMA. Members usually begin by getting involved at the chapter level where a wide range of positions are available for members with different skill sets and abilities.
Once members exhaust their opportunities at the local level, it may be time for them to look toward the national level. One of the best opportunities is to participate in a CFMA committee. Members who are interested in joining a CFMA committee can visit www.cfma.org/membervolunteer for details about each committee as well as the opportunity to become an author, speaker, instructor, etc.
Further down the leadership path, members may have the opportunity to serve as a committee chair or vice chair, an Executive Committee member, or even an Executive Officer. And, consider earning your CCIFP designation if you haven’t already, as this prestigious designation is strongly suggested in leadership roles.
These opportunities can also greatly assist in strengthening your own leadership skills that will inure to your benefit in your day job as well. CFMA views this as a win-win – a “win” for you to hone your skills while CFMA “wins” by enlisting your support that strengthens our organization. As that commercial from many years ago said to Mikey, “Try it. You’ll like it!”
Chapter Support
The other aspect of leadership I’d like to discuss is CFMA’s effort to support its chapters during these difficult times. We have launched a series of programs for local chapter leaders that provide different ideas of how to reach their members, acknowledging that these times require different tools for keeping members engaged. Some topics have included:
- Using virtual platforms – Provided training on how to use Zoom and GoToMeeting, which has been very helpful in assisting local leaders.
- Introducing new chapter websites – Showed chapter leaders the various elements of CFMA’s new website to come in early 2021 and how they will be able to transition their chapter sites to the new platform.
- Running a chapter virtually – Held a series of webinars on hosting virtual game nights, happy hours, and industry expert Q&As.
Regarding these initiatives, I’d like to thank Cathy Wasner and Samantha Lake at CFMA HQ for going above and beyond to present these new ideas and deliver them in a timely and interesting way! If you would like to learn more about helping your chapter, contact Cathy at cwasner@cfma.org.
In conclusion, I encourage you to seek out leadership opportunities at both the chapter and national levels of CFMA. I am convinced that your return on investment will exceed the time you dedicate to CFMA.
Copyright © 2020 by the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). All rights reserved. This article first appeared in November/December 2020 CFMA Building Profits magazine.