The recent defections from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in response to the organization’s policy on climate change have spotlighted a larger concern relevant to many association leaders: How can a CEO deal with a diversity of opinion within the ranks of its members? Red Cavaney, former CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, said “rule number one” is that, even when members disagree on an issue, an association cannot shy away from taking public policy positions, because “to take no position is to marginalize your impact.” “If you are held captive by a minority opinion, it renders you less effective in arguing for the majority,” said Cavaney, who is now senior vice… Read More