This column first was published as the “President’s Message” in the May 2012 newsletter of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.
Dear Larry,
[NSNC Vice President Laurence D. Cohen is on the slate of nominees for the May 6 election, for 2012-14 president.]
This, the columnists presidency, has been a humbling experience. I’ve had plenty of humbling experiences in my life, so I should know.
When you were nominated for vice president, you asked me for tips so I suggested you consider U.S. vice presidents such as Alben Barkley and Charles W. Fairbanks.
Now I offer:
Hoist your opinions as the leader’s consideration counts.
Avoid saying anything, it’ll upset someone.
The board is a single entity, proved by many unanimous votes.
The board is a hydra of personalities, proved by many flurries of emails.
The NSNC is trending down like the rest of the print media.
The NSNC remains solvent with a consistent number of members, if you weigh 15 years not the last six.
While I have held several mid-level newsroom management jobs, a nonprofit’s presidency proved surprisingly different.
In business, workers accept pay in return for labor. That doesn’t mean the boss has much direct authority — that’s why bookstores have dozens of shelves of advice. In nonprofits, people offer to be officers and other positions for no or modest remuneration, so a president has little clout.
Persuasion is overrated. (Continued)





