Microscopy Society of America
Case Summary
Location: Chicago, IL
Services: Leadership, Relationship Building
Critical needs: strong, dependable headquarters operation to implement relationship building and leadership training.
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Background
The Microscopy Society of America (MSA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the knowledge of science and practice of all microscopical imaging, analysis and diffraction techniques in diverse areas of biological, materials, medical and physical sciences.
The challenge was to manage the changing dynamic of the organization. As the Society grew, and new leadership stepped in, more and more time was required for the new leadership to familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures; and activity was reduced.
Bostrom's Solution for Success
Bostrom staff recognized that it would take both leadership and staff to work together to ensure that the Council commit adequate quality time to the performance of their leadership duties and responsibilities; and ensure that all operational functions are performed and completed.
Bostrom staff created an operational calendar as a tool to help MSA achieve the balance of allowing volunteers to set the strategic direction and the ability to act on that direction before another issue redirects the focus and resources necessary to accomplish the first agenda.
To further assist the Council in prioritizing the objectives, Bostrom worked with the MSA president so that committee chairs and appointed officers document policies and procedures in how-to books. These books are used as a briefing at the start of the year for committee chairs to learn what is expected of them; to encourage committee members to pass on important files and folders to the next appointed committee chair, and to personally “package” the committee and present it so that he or she will have a running start.
This is just one example of how the staff’s solid organizational and leadership skills have been applied to help the incoming leadership stay on track and achieve its goals.
Through the years, Bostrom has repeatedly responded to the shifting roles and dynamics of the Society; and has maintained a strong volunteer/staff relationship by providing the highest level of service through the efforts of a staff that has energy, vision, passion, and creativity.