Books

Sarah Sladek has authored five books — three of which are best-sellers for the American Society of Association Executives.

Talent Generation

Welcome to the Talent Economy—a 21st century economy characterized by unprecedented innovation, connectivity, disruption, and opportunity.

Unfortunately, the positive attributes of this economy have been largely overshadowed. With job satisfaction declining across three decades, employee turnover costing organizations billions, profitability shrinking, and millions of Boomers retiring, the impetus to close the widening gap between talent-development practices and business impact has never been greater.

For too long, we’ve just assumed there is no other way. But author Sarah Sladek proves there is another way.

Drawing from documented workforce and talent-development research, as well as her own ongoing study of generational impacts, her book cites numerous examples of organizations that have been capable of engaging employees in this era of disruption—what they did, why it worked, and how it’s made a difference to the organizations’ outlook and bottom line.

“It’s critical for associations to understand how the Talent Economy will impact the industry. Talent Generation gives great insight on how organizations can make smarter and more informed decisions.”

Knowing Y: Engage the Next Generation Now

The largest shift in human capital in history–the ascension of Gen Y/Millennials in the workforce–presents a strategic opportunity. Tailoring your organization’s offerings and culture to engage their participation makes economic, consumer, marketing, and management sense.

From selfies and a recessionist mindset to the experience and gig economies, Knowing Y is a fascinating deep dive into the economic and social shifts influenced by this generation’s arrival.

It’s brimming with first-hand insights from young professionals and examples of organizations that have successfully engaged their participation.

Struggling to engage and understand the Millennial generation? This book serves as an excellent guide.

“Knowing Y is informative and thought-provoking. It clearly conveys how important this generation is to our future. I’d say it’s more than a must-read, it’s a must-do.”

The End of Membership As We Know It

The era when associations could count on members joining and renewing, has passed. Membership is not dead as author Sarah Sladek argues in The End of Membership As We Know It: Building the Fortune-Flipping, Must-Have Association of the Next Century. But you do need to change your thinking and your models to adapt to the way participation is changing.

This book, published by ASAE, outlines real, useful advice and plenty of examples for moving your membership model into the future.

It has proven to be a timeless resource. For 9 years running, The End has been a best-selling book for ASAE. The book topped the charts of best nonprofit management books on Amazon for three years. It has been read by audiences globally and was translated into Dutch.

“(Sarah Sladek’s) book, ‘The End of Membership As We Know It,’ is the bomb. (It is) a must read for every CEO, membership person and plenty of Board leaders.”

Rock Stars Incorporated

Generations X and Y are changing the way our world works because what’s worked in the past isn’t working for them. Rock Stars Incorporated: Hiring the High Performance High Maintenance Hotshots Half Your Age (2008) provides valuable insight on how to manage, motivate, and market to these rising stars.

“Sarah Sladek knows her stuff when it comes to Gen X and Gen Y workers. Her brilliantly written Rock Stars Incorporated is a must-read for any manager, executive or business owner. Successful companies in the future will take the time to understand these technology-savvy, global-minded and goal-driven workers to squash their competition. ”

The New Recruit

The New Recruit: What Your Association Needs to Know About X, Y, & Z (2007) was one of the first books to address the generation gap in membership associations. It brings to light the challenges that Boomer-centric associations are experiencing and viable solutions to successfully recruit and retain younger generations.

“Recruiting younger members is essential to our future if our organizations are going to remain vibrant and relevant. I give Sladek a lot of credit for taking on a hard and important issue.”

John Graham, Former President and CEO
ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership