EFFECTIVE BOARDS HAVE DOCUMENTED BOARD NORMS
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.
DOES YOUR BOARD AGREE ABOUT:
Board attendance
The need to be prepared
Respect, professional and courteous behavior
The line between oversight and operations
Partisanship
Personal agendas
Confidentiality
Respecting the majority decision
Access to information and communication
Social media presence
Board Norms are a documented guide for board members regarding behavioral expectations. Written, board-approved norms can provide guidance to help steer the board through difficult times, such as an individual board member's personal agenda. It's easy for a board member to innocently swim into the tide of issues outside their responsibility. Some members might use their office for personal interests. A great board has everyone rowing together and understanding their purpose and roles. Board Norms cover expectations that are not covered in bylaws or policies, or sometimes, reiterate their governing document’s direction.
Just as bylaws should keep a board focused on their responsibilities, having documented Board Norms keeps the board accountable to one another, allowing smoother sailing when issues arise.
Another huge benefit to having written Board Norms is apparent when you have new board members join the board. They have a document listing the behavioral expectations of their position.
Boards can be more effective and efficient when they hold themselves accountable for their behavior. As challenges face a board, a united team always experiences smoother sailing than one that has its oars pulling in multiple directions.
Agree to it.
Live it.
Pass it on.