High Performance Secretariats: Mobilizing Your Human Resources

Associations have a critical role to play in strengthening our economies, societies and political systems. To fulfil that role effectively, however, they need high-performing secretariats. According to the latestEuractiv survey, the number-one challenge facing associations today is a shortage of staff and resources. In other words, many are being asked to do more in 2026 with the same – or even fewer – means.

Regardless of resource levels, the strongest associations are distinguished by the quality of their leaders and the people within their secretariats. The relationship between the board and the secretariat can lead either to exceptional results or to serious dysfunction – and the difference ultimately comes down to people.

Based on Dober Partners' recent report, this article therefore focuses on leadership and the individuals who make up the secretariat, arguably an association's greatest asset.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Boardroom.