Boards that want to improve performance will need a comprehensive strategy. This includes ensuring that the board has the correct mix of skills as well as establishing a positive environment and streamlining processes. By addressing these key areas, boards will be able enhance best practices and speed up the decision-making process.
The Chair of the board plays an important role in determining how well a board works. A chair with no leadership or coordination skills will be unable to http://www.boardroompro.net/5-organizational-assessment-tools-for-nonprofits/ create an environment in which directors are able to provide their unique perspectives and participate in productive discussions. A chair who is insecure and a bit too controlling could create an environment in which the board is not transparent and discussion is stifled.
One of the biggest problems that boards have to face is dysfunction. This issue can be caused by personal disputes between board members or could be due to inadequate structures that facilitate the board’s responsibility for performance assessment. Delegating these responsibilities to the board as a whole, or confining them to the executive committee will often lead to inadequate oversight.
Another important factor to consider is how the board performs in terms of its ability to access and process information. Accessing the right information can greatly enhance board effectiveness and enable boards to make more informed decisions. However many boards have inadequate processes for sharing and sourcing information. If this is not addressed it will be a challenge for an organization to improve its performance.