In this episode we are talking to Clarke Price, a retired CEO of the Ohio Society of CPAs and the very first guest on this podcast one year ago. We discuss how the prevalence of social media (and the decline of respectful debate) creates new challenges for leaders and we provide suggestions on how you can overcome these challenges to provide strong leadership in your organization.The Ohio Society’s record of innovative leadership during Clarke’s tenure was recognized by the American Society of Association Executives when the society was selected as one of nine remarkable associations that were part of an extensive nationwide study of successful associationsThe American Society of Association Executives’ publication, Seven Measures of Success: What remarkable associations do that others don't, featured the Ohio Society of CPAs as the only state-based membership organization profiled in the seven measures study.Social media fervor is making many organizations far too risk-averse. Organizations are fearful that their membership, customers, or constituency might disagree – loudly, online, demanding a penalty – with any decision or position they publicize... so they do nothing.Fear of risk leads to hesitation, which leads to inaction – and certainly doesn’t lead to innovation.From an improvisational standpoint, the inaction kills me. If we don't make bad decisions, how can we find good decision? Bad decisions are just bridges to good decisions.We need to change the current leadership trend. We can get ahead of these online movements if we train leaders to anticipate and respond to criticism appropriately.Good leadership needs to share the truth, acknowledge disagreements, and (most importantly) communicate a story.You need to tell a story about how the decision was made, why it was important, and what the consequences will be – a story full of emotion, as opposed to facts and figures – and you need to share that story in a variety of forums.Communication strategies may vary but there is one constant: you can't be silent and you can't expect problems will just play out and then go away. We should expect more, and encourage more, from our leaders; they should be prepared to actually lead, make tough decisions, and think about the future. It’s not enough to just be present.Resources:Road to Relevance: 5 Strategies for Competitive Associations by Harrison Coerver and Mary Byers7 Measures of Success: What Remarkable Associations Do That Others Don't by Jim Collins“Chase One Rabbit: The Power of Small Wins | Philip Kim | TEDxAlbany” Production & Development for Improv Is No Joke by Podcast Masters