Learning is a priority not a luxury. Why association leaders must invest in their own development

In the world of associations, we talk endlessly about the value of professional development — for our members. But what about ourselves? Too often, association leaders neglect their own learning, citing busy schedules, tight budgets, or the belief that their experience is enough. This does a disservice not only to themselves, but also to their organisations, their teams, and the very members they serve.

Leadership today is evolving. The pace of change, the complexity of governance, the expectations of diverse stakeholders, and the integration of technology into every aspect of association life require new skills, new thinking, and adaptive leadership. Standing still isn’t neutral, it’s moving backward.

When association leaders fail to invest in their own growth, they risk becoming the bottleneck. They may rely on outdated models of governance, miss emerging trends, or struggle to lead effectively through change. This undermines the strategic agility of their organisation and limits the ability of their teams to innovate and respond to member needs.

It also sets the wrong example. If the people at the top don’t prioritise learning, why should anyone else? Culture starts with leadership. Investing in professional development sends a clear signal: learning is a priority, not a luxury.

The best leaders are not those with all the answers but those who are constantly asking better questions. That means making time for learning, whether through formal qualifications, peer networks, coaching, or simply staying curious and reflective. The most respected association professionals are those who never stop evolving.

So if you’re leading an association, ask yourself: when was the last time you invested in your own development? Your organisation deserves a leader who grows as fast as the world is changing. And so do you.

Join us in September at our leadership retreat and spend time investing in you and your organisation's ongoing success. Details and registration at https://associationtransformation.org/executive-retreat.