Board Role Archives - The Governance Coach

The Powerful Nature of Conversation

Posted by Dee Incoronato
On November 21, 2019
Board Role, Owners and Ownership

While I was working on my doctoral degree in Organization Development, one professor emphasized the powerful nature of conversation in an organization. She pointed out repeatedly the many ways language creates change and in the process of conversation, change emerged. Ralph D. Stacey in his book Strategic Management and Organizational Dynamics: The Challenge of Complexity […]

The Board and Tone at the Top

Posted by Ted Hull
On October 2, 2019
Board Role, Executive Limitations

Tone at the top is about an ethical culture where all employees feel responsible for doing the right thing. Since the board is at the top of the organization, what’s the board’s role in ensuring ethical culture? One of the best definitions of culture I’ve heard is it’s just the way we do it.  Every organization […]

The Danger of an Executive Committee

Posted by Ted Hull
On July 10, 2019
Board Role, Committees

It’s been around since time immemorial and every board has one. It’s the executive committee. This sacrosanct group is usually made up of the officers of the board; typically the chair, vice-chair, secretary and treasurer. Its daunting mandate can include making decisions for the board in the event of an emergency, and doing the business […]

Building CEO and Board Success – Part 3 of 3

Posted by Richard Onley
On May 7, 2019
Board Role

In our last blog, we discussed the difference between best practices vs. principles and how this can impact on bringing clarity to the board – CEO relationship. We began to examine the Policy Governance® model and how it can bring role clarity and create excellent communication between the board and CEO. Let’s discuss one of […]

Building CEO and Board Success – Part 2 of 3

Posted by Richard Onley
On April 30, 2019
Board Leadership, Board Role

Last week, I examined the issue of the board’s contribution to CEO failure and discussed whether best practices could be the answer. What about the principle-based approach? Principles are based on a fundamental or general truth that provides people with guidelines to make better decisions in changing circumstances. Well-considered principles will impact a broad set […]

Building CEO and Board Success Part 1 of 3

Posted by Richard Onley
On April 23, 2019
Board Role

Is the CEO and Board Success Mutually Exclusive? In February 2018, Chief Executive Magazine reported: “One of the top reasons CEO’s stated for lack of success was ”the inability to build a connection with the Board” followed by “failure to manage the Board.” The article went on to discuss best practices and success strategies including developing an engagement plan to target each board member. Consider […]

Can a Policy Governance® Board do Fundraising?

Posted by Ted Hull
On March 5, 2019
Board Role, Clear Delegation, Fundraising

When a not-for-profit organization recruits board members, one of the desired – and even required – criteria is the capacity to raise funds. How well a candidate is connected with those who have deeps pockets and are more likely to reach into those pockets is a coveted asset. If you are on a Policy Governance […]

Does Your Board Govern as if It’s the “Top Dog” of the Organization?

Posted by Paul Zilz
On September 4, 2018
Board Role, Ends, Owners and Ownership

This is a fundamental, but often overlooked, question for your board to ask: “What is our position and our role in this organization?” The way your board answers this question will determine, to a large extent, its focus and its processes. Many boards assume that they are “at the top of the food chain,” that […]