At a recent CEO Update event, I had a conversation that got me thinking. A colleague was describing her association, which serves professionals who often make quick decisions with little information. These members also lean on technology in creative ways in their day to day work, so they are accustomed to risk. She reflected that this translated into a board that makes decisions quickly and stays focused on the big picture. It’s a style that fits her perfectly because she also likes to move fast and is comfortable with risk.

Her observation made me think about my own career path. Most of my leadership roles have been with professional societies of academics. Their boards tend to reflect an academic mindset: study a problem, dig into the details, and confer with colleagues before reaching a decision. That is the model I grew up with (my father was a professor) and I earned a PhD so this approach feels familiar.

Now, I am leading a trade association, where the board is made up of CEOs and senior staff. They are business-minded, decisive, and focused on results. I find this refreshing, probably because I am a CEO myself. What’s striking to me is that I am comfortable in both worlds.

It raises an important question for anyone considering an association leadership role: how will you mesh with the board and membership culture? Boards often reflect the qualities of the members they serve. If you want to succeed—and enjoy your work—you need to think carefully about whether their style matches your own. So take the time find the right fit for you by to reflecting on your personality and the type of people that you click with. You can use assessments like DiSC, strengths finder and even MBTI (I know there are some issues with Myers Briggs, but I have always found it helpful.)

Like any relationship, it helps to share a similar approach to life. If you value collaboration and debate, an academic-style association may feel like home. If you thrive on quick decisions and bold moves, you may prefer the business-driven pace of a trade association. Neither is better. You just need to fit the cultural fit that works for you.