Ensuring that your board is as successful as it can be in meeting and exceeding the needs of the organization it serves is a crucial part of it development.  As commodity based business take regular inventory of its stock in trade, really remarkable boards do the same through objective monitoring and evaluation processes.  A lack of this effort can ultimately lead to frustration and diminished productivity.

I believe I can improve the operation and effectiveness of your organization by helping you to execute Board audits and electronic self-assessments, establish advisory councils, facilitate conflict resolution, and by providing a knowledgeable sounding board for any issue arising from the management of your organization.

I have adopted a version of BOHSE Associates, LLC’s “BOARD” approach to define management issues and can help you create an effective, efficient, and powerful Board:

• Basic Board Training
• Overall Management Approach
• Authority as Governing Body
• Responsibility (Legal, Fiduciary, Policy, Personnel, Management, Liability, Fundraising, etc.)
• Direction (Strategic Planning for the Future)

Management Program Assistance

I have more than two decades of experience in structuring management programs that help non-profit groups succeed. I can assist Board members to become more involved, facilitate the review of organizational structures and create effective internal and external communication programs.

Improving Board / Staff Communication

I can assist you by developing a job description for the staff and by providing evaluation tools and guidance on hiring. I can also act as a facilitator for conflict resolution if there is tension between the staff, and the Board.

Board Audits

Ongoing internal reflection is the key to any Boards success. Starting with a review of your bylaws—the instrument that tells the public how you run your business—we determine if they are up to date and reflect who you are and what you are doing now. If not, I can help you with the necessary updates. I also look at the diversity of the Board (gender, age, ethnic background, skill sets) in relation to the bylaws, mission and vision, and assesses which skills are needed in order for you to do business better. The data produced will show the gaps in your Board composition and skills, and help guide you to make the appropriate choices when recruiting board members or seeking out professional volunteers.

Board Self-Assessments and Surveys

A key responsibility for any Board is to conduct a self-assessment at least once a year. I am uniquely positioned to help you with this recurrent process. My web-based survey tool gives Board members the anonymity they need to answer questions honestly. Questions can be customized for any organization, using different types of formats (multiple choice, rating scales, drop-down menus, etc.). I feedback on survey results in report form and will contact you in advance of your next survey date to help you annualize this process. This survey tool can also be used to tap staff, volunteers, or your general constituency for their ideas and comments.

In any non-profit organization, the Board of Directors is the employer. Yet, most Boards act as advisory councils rather than policymakers, which can be detrimental to an organization. Board members need to understand their roles, responsibilities and personal liabilities in order to effectively oversee their organization.

Understanding Your Responsibilities and Liabilities as a Board Member

Board members have responsibilities to their constituency, staff, and the community at large. These responsibilities include fundraising, managing Board and staff relationships, and bridging the gap between the organization and community by raising awareness and support. Additionally, every Board of Directors has the same clear-cut responsibilities: Legal, Fiduciary, Policy, Personnel, and Management.

How to Run A Good Board

A Board needs to be aware of their strengths and limitations, and must be able and ready to self-assess with an eye towards continuously improving their membership and performance. I will instruct you on processes to recruit Board members who will be active and productive, how to provide orientation and training for new members, how to determine when and by what means to retire a Board member, and how to reward a member who has made a substantial contribution to your organization.

Managing Your Board and the Chair

My training and coaching for executive directors, CEOs and Board Chairs provides instruction in the finer arts of managing the Board and Board processes.