Hall talked about the mix of professional experience and leadership qualities needed to advance on the corporate or service provider sides of today's constantly-changing asset management industry. In his remarks to the group, IDRC President Andy Bessette explained that the best way to lead the association and make key decisions is by seeking the advice and involvement of other IDRC officers and board members before taking action. Group decisions prevail over individual decisions. Of course, leaders do not have to get everyone in their groups to march in lockstep with them. IDRC Staff provided support for the Leadership Forum.
Diversity poses both a challenge and opportunity for volunteer and staff association leaders.
A factor making that realization more difficult is that despite members' views to the contrary, associations do not operate like their businesses. Quality of culture is important, too. Virtually all of the attendees found value in the two-day program. I would strongly recommend continuing some aspect of this program on a go-forward basis at IDRC, so that others can also benefit from this experience. IDRC Communicator is published monthly to provide news and information for the membership of the International Development Research Council .