Governing an organization may not be the most fun thing in life (although…).
However, when everyone on the board feels involved and happy, it becomes much more engaging and effective.
Here are 5 essential tips to encourage the involvement of board members.
1. Get on the same page
Above all, it is crucial to create clarity and communicate it effectively to all those who sit on the board of directors.
Questions to ask yourself:
What are the purpose and mission of the organization?
What is our strategic vision and the objectives to enable us to achieve it?
What are the expectations in terms of values and behaviors?
Who does what ? What are the roles and responsibilities of each person?
Defining these points allows for mutual understanding . And when we understand each other, we can debate ideas effectively in order to obtain unified decision-making.
2. Actively orient
The integration of new people who join the board is essential to ensure their full participation.
When administrators arrive in office, we ensure that they feel well welcomed and oriented
We help them, guide them and train them so that they can give the best of themselves from the start.
Here are some ideas:
A complete onboarding process
Initial and continuing training according to each person’s needs
Mentoring or pairing with someone with a lot of experience on the board of directors
By investing in directors and managers, you allow them to optimize their contribution.
3. Structure an operating routine
By planning tasks and schedules in advance, the board becomes productive and efficient.
Establish a calendar to plan the work to be done over the course of a year
Plan the meeting schedule in advance
Equitably distribute governance tasks among board committees (governance, operations and compliance, finance audit and verification, supervision, evaluation and compensation of general management)
By identifying good practices and reinforcing them, we maintain optimal functioning.
4. Set up relevant reports
There are tools that strengthen informed decision-making within the board, including:
reports from general management;
dashboards or monitoring panels;
committee reports;
financial reports; And
expert reports, professional opinions, research, legal opinions, etc.
A single objective here: to ensure informed governance for diligent and results-oriented decision-making.
5. Encourage, recognize and be accountable
Maintaining the commitment of directors and managers is a constant effort.
Here are 3 ideas to maintain good cohesion within the board and encourage the people who sit on it to continue their involvement:
recognizing efforts and highlighting accomplishments allows each person to feel that they are progressing and growing as an administrator or leader.
fostering social interactions outside of the formal framework of board or committee meetings helps create strong bonds
resolving issues quickly and directly with the person(s) involved helps create a culture of respect and accountability
In summary
When directors and managers
actively engage,
collaborate effectively and
fully contribute to governance work,
...board of directors
has optimal and efficient operation,
decisions are informed and made with a high level of diligence,
and the best interest of the organization takes precedence.
What practices will you implement first?
For further
Free training
The roles and responsibilities of a board of directors and its directors : understanding who must do what to meet their collective and individual responsibilities
Personalized support in governance
the role of the board presidency in maintaining team cohesion
governance policies and procedures
establishment of a governance, operations and compliance committee