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Fundamentals for an Effective Board
Just as successful sports teams focus on fundamentals, there are certain basic strategies for an effective board. Here's a brief checklist to apply to your board: |
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- Get the right people. This is tougher than it sounds. We have a history in associations of using board positions as a reward for active volunteers. Recruit for expertise, not reward. Strive for diversity and a mix of experience to enrich your board discussions.
Using a leadership development committee can help identify those volunteers who have the commitment to live up to their responsibilities and weed out those who are only looking for prestige or resume-enhancement.
- Communicate effectively. Develop written job descriptions for every volunteer position to create the right expectations. Include meeting schedules, estimated preparation time, committee work, and estimate of expenses the volunteer is expected to bear.
Every committee should start the year with a written description of its mission and specific charges or objectives to achieve. Create a board policy manual and keep it up to date.
- Make your meetings productive. Provide concise information about every action item in advance of the meeting. Structure your agenda intelligently; start and close with items that build consensus; place controversial items on the agenda just before lunch or other natural break.
- Stress accountability. Assign each objective to an individual (such as committee chair) with a deadline. Establish reporting mechanisms for every committee and task force to track progress.
- Evaluate. Most boards do not improve without conscious effort. Build a board assessment into your annual plan of work. By conducting regular assessments, your board can build on its strengths and improve its weaknesses.
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Also see the Top Ten Signs Your Board Needs Help and Board Development Resources.
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