Work hard, be honest and good things will happen. This guiding principle can be a powerful catalyst for an organization’s culture. In the association world, we spend lots of time focusing on strategy. Countless hours are spent pouring over strategic plans, measures and related initiatives. However, we ignore culture at our own peril, for as Peter Drucker once said, “culture eats strategy for breakfast.”

This type of culture – one that emphasizes service, persistence, integrity and shared reward – was put firmly in place at McKinley by Jodie Slaughter when she founded our company in 1994. Yesterday we learned that the association community has noticed, as Jodie was selected to receive ASAE’s 2011 Academy of Leaders Award. This honor, the highest that the association community bestows on an industry partner, is a fitting affirmation of Jodie’s career, dedication and world view. Through the natural ups and downs of life and business, she has always stayed true to her guiding principles and, yes, many good things have happened – to her as well as her colleagues and clients.

For the rest of us at McKinley, keeping this ethic front and center each day allows us to build trusted relationships with each other and our clients. It also allows us to take pride in the meaningful and constructive work we do. Over the years there have been plenty of opportunities to pursue quick wins, cut corners or deviate from the path. However, we have all chosen to follow Jodie’s example, and are all far better people and professionals as a result.

So today we all congratulate Jodie’s accomplishment and celebrate the lasting gift she has bestowed to our organization. After all, strategies come and go, but a great culture remains.

For ASAE’s press release on this exciting honor, click here.

~ Post by Jay Younger, FASAE, Managing Partner and Chief Consultant