Welcome to LeadingAge Kansas’ seventh issue of For Your Board, Governance Newsletter. Each quarter this publication focuses on a specific governance topic to help you, your leadership team and your board in planning, strategic thinking, and execution as you seek to sustain and amplify your mission. Our next 12 issues will highlight a principle from BoardSource’s The Source – Twelve Principles of Governance that Power Exceptional Boards.
Remember, exceptional governance does not happen by accident. If we want staff and volunteer leadership partnerships that add value to our organizations, we must intentionally focus on our governance practices – constantly refining and evolving.
Please let us know how you use this publication, if it proves helpful, what other topics you would like to see us focus on and how we can best serve you and your board. We would love to discuss being part of your next Board or Leadership Team retreat, so contact debra@leadingagekansas.org to learn more.
Constructive Partnership
“Exceptional boards govern in constructive partnership with the chief executive, recognizing that the effectiveness of the board and chief executive are interdependent.” – BoardSource, Twelve Principles of Governance that Power Exceptional BoardsEnvision a doubles tennis match – both team members are critical to the success of the contest. Well that translates to our board dynamics. Governance is a team sport!
Exceptional boards and leadership teams cultivate a partnership based on commitment to the mission, mutual respect, trust and honesty. Exceptional boards encourage their CEOs to show the squiggly things under the rock without fear of reproach. In a partnership environment, exceptional boards and CEOs are comfortable asking questions, sharing feedback and welcoming different perspectives.
In addition, exceptional boards hold their CEO accountable through a structured evaluation process. They support their CEO’s professional development, but also aren’t afraid to make a change if necessary to further their mission. Cultivating a constructive partnership requires good communication, understanding roles and remaining connected between meetings.
Starting the Conversation
- The Source: Twelve Principles of Governance that Power Exceptional Boards from BoardSource
- Board Chair and Chief Executive Responsibilities from BoardSource
- The Board Chair and Chief Executive Communications from BoardSource
- What We Don’t Know About Trust Ted Talk by Onora O’Neill
- Evaluating the CEO by Stephen P. Kaufman
Tools & Templates
- Board Staff Interaction: What’s Acceptable, What’s Not from BoardSource
- Giving & Receiving Criticism: Five Tips for Chief Executives and Board Chairs Working to Build a Strong Partnership from BoardSource
- Building the Governance Partnership: The Chief Executive’s Guide to Getting the Best from the Board by Kathleen A. McGinnis and Sherill K. Williams
- Trouble at the Top: The Nonprofit Board’s Guide to Managing an Imperfect Chief Executive by Katha Kissman
- Practicing Self-Management from BoardSource
- “Let’s Work Together” – The Sweet Sounds of a Board-CEO Partnership by Melanie Lockwood Herman and Erin Gloeckner
- How to Conduct a Chief Executive Performance Assessment in 10 Steps from BoardSource
- 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation Ted Talk by Celeste Headlee
- The Importance of Good Conversation and How to Have It Ted Talk by John O’Leary
- Evaluating the Executive Director: Your Role as a Board Member by Vincent Hyman
- Sample CEO Performance Appraisal Process and Assessment Form from American Hospital Association
- Generic Life Plan Community CEO Evaluation Template
Did you know that LeadingAge Kansas provides consultation services to improve your board’s effectiveness? Contact us to learn more about how we can help you and your board.
