Last week, we started unpacking what it means to “Be the Unicorn” in the association world, focusing on four traits centered around action: Fast, Authentic, Agile, and Solver.

This week, we shift a bit.

These next four traits are less about how leaders act in the moment and more about how they think, prepare, and grow over time. As I’ve revisited these myself, I’ve found it’s not always about developing something brand new. Sometimes it’s about recognizing traits that are already there and being more intentional in how we use them.

This week, we’re focusing on: Anticipator, Prepared, Self-Aware, and Curious.

Anticipator

Great leaders don’t just react to what’s happening. They think ahead.

In the association world, this is critical. Whether it’s board dynamics, member expectations, or industry shifts, the ability to anticipate what’s coming next allows you to lead with confidence instead of constantly playing catch-up.

Being an anticipator means:

• Thinking two or three steps ahead
• Identifying potential challenges before they surface
• Preparing others for what’s coming, not just responding to what’s here

What this looks like on a Tuesday morning:
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to contribute to a book called The Informed Association Executive. My chapter focused on the importance of data in decision-making. To truly anticipate, you have to be keenly aware of trends, and not just within your organization, but across the association profession. Your board doesn’t hire you to predict the future, but they do rely on you to help them navigate it.

Reflection: Where could thinking one step ahead change your leadership impact?

Prepared

Preparation is one of the simplest ways to stand out and one of the most overlooked.

In environments where leaders are balancing multiple priorities, being consistently prepared sends a powerful message. It shows respect for others’ time and reinforces credibility.

Being prepared means:

• Doing the work before the meeting
• Understanding the context behind decisions
• Showing up ready to contribute, not just participate

What this looks like on a Tuesday morning:
We’ve all experienced that feeling of arriving late and the stress and anxiety that comes with it. Preparation helps eliminate that. Before a board meeting, especially in person, that means testing A/V, confirming materials are ready and knowing who is attending. It also means making notes for each agenda item and anticipating the questions that might arise. It’s far better to be over-prepared and get no questions than to feel like you’re in the middle of the Spanish Inquisition.

Reflection: How often are you leading the conversation versus reacting to it?

Self-Aware

Self-awareness might be the most important leadership trait on this list.

Association leadership involves navigating relationships with boards, volunteers, staff and members. Understanding how you show up in those interactions is critical.

Being self-aware means:

• Knowing your strengths and where you tend to struggle
• Recognizing how others experience you
• Being open to feedback without becoming defensive

What this looks like on a Tuesday morning:
It’s easy to move quickly through staff meetings, both all-hands and one-on-ones, because you have a specific agenda you want to accomplish. But as a leader, you must recognize when to slow down. One thing I’ve learned about myself is understanding what I’m good at and where I need to rely on my team. Then, just as importantly, staying out of their way and avoiding the temptation to micromanage.

Reflection: How well do you understand the impact you have on others?

Curious

Curiosity fuels growth.

The best leaders I’ve worked with aren’t the ones who have all the answers. They’re the ones who ask the best questions.

In a constantly evolving environment, curiosity keeps you learning, adapting and improving.

Being curious means:

• Asking “why” before jumping to conclusions
• Seeking to understand before being understood
• Staying open to new ideas and perspectives

What this looks like on a Tuesday morning:
One of the most valuable questions I ask when joining a new association, especially after a few months of observing how things operate, is: “Why have we always done it this way?” The answers are often revealing. Sometimes it’s because it became someone’s responsibility and that person is no longer there. Sometimes it’s because it’s written in a manual that no one has questioned. I’m not a believer in change for the sake of change, but I do believe in asking whether there might be a better way.

Reflection: When was the last time you asked a question that changed your perspective?

These traits, Anticipator, Prepared, Self-Aware, and Curious, are what allow leaders to move from reactive to intentional.

They don’t just improve how you lead in the moment. They shape how you grow over time.

Maybe one of these already shows up strongly for you. Maybe one stands out as something you want to develop further.

That awareness is the starting point.

Next week, we’ll explore four more traits that continue to define what it means to “Be the Unicorn” in today’s leadership environment.