(The fifth in a series of insightful thoughts about the importance of agreement of a board’s Purpose, Roles, Goals and Behavior)
Are all your board members rowing in the same direction? Don’t worry if they’re not. There is a fix to this, and this fix holds true whether your board is elected, appointed, or is a volunteer board.
It is an honor and a privilege to be a board member. The position comes with a responsibility to understand the agreed upon purpose of your board. If board members know their board’s purpose, they can understand their roles, base their goals upon their roles, and ultimately exhibit consistent behavior that allows the organization to move forward.
Board culture can influence board effectiveness. Boards must make
sure that culture and behavioral norms are agreed upon to move themselves in
the right and positive direction.
Culture manifests itself through behavior. Agreed upon behavioral
norms is a hallmark of an effective board. Here are some key questions that
start to capture board culture:
Does the board agree on its Purpose, Roles and Goals?
- Is there trust and respect among board members and between the administration and the board?
- Does the board speak with a single voice?
- Is information limited to a few or to all?
- Are communications clear, regular and consistent to all?
- Is board leadership determined by “best person, given the situation” or on an “it’s my turn” basis?
- Is the board focused on achieving strategic goals or daily operations?
With a clear understanding and agreement of behavioral norms and
expectations, the board can use its culture as a lever to support the goals of
the organization. When these agreed upon expectations are documented, there is a twofold benefit. They give current board members direction and guidance, and as new members join the board, expectations are clear.
Behavior matters. Document it. Live it!
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