By Bill Pawlucy, CAE and BJ Colvin A high functioning, strategic board requires the ability for it to be introspective and capable of self-reflecting on its overall performance. It is by no means an easy task to accomplish regardless of the board’s size or composition. Let’s consider the difficulty staff often encounter when conducting self-evaluations…
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By Bob Harris, CAE “Committees begin the year with enthusiasm. They receive assignments from the board and authority from the bylaws. An orientation and policies point them in the right direction. Volunteer groups supplement the work of the board, vet ideas, engage members, and develop future leaders. They can tackle tough issues, create new programs…
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By Bob Harris, CAE “In a regional webinar on good governance the chief elected president said, ‘Bob taught us these practices years ago. We adopted them and now have a more efficient board.’ When meeting with boards I ask how the governance routines came about. The common answer, ‘We’ve always done it this way.’…
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Rules of order are essential to any governing body. They give structure and guidance where other governing documents may fall short. That does not mean we should put them on a pedestal and reference them for every action taken. Nor should they be referenced every time a motion needs to be made or hinder forward…
Read MoreBy Bob Harris, CAE “An association or chamber needs a dedicated group of leaders working together to advance a cause or mission. Nonprofit organizations have served the USA for more than 150 years. With 1.5 million nonprofit, exempt organizations, the common traits are the purpose of advancing a mission and volunteer leadership team. Good governance…
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Two board members walk out of the association’s planning session. One of them says, “Great session but who’s going to do the work?” The other board member offers, “I don’t really know but those cookies were amazing!” Too often there is no good understanding and closure around the roles of governance and management after a…
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By Bob Harris, CAE “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” is a phrase used to promote a positive attitude during adversity. The lemons represent the sourness or difficulties. Making lemonade is turning them into something positive or desirable. Many executives are making lasting improvements during the pandemic adversity. A discussion I recently had with…
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Written by: Bob Harris, CAE Reviewed by: William D. Pawlucy, CAE, MPA, IOM The new board guide for the summer and remainder of 2020 is titled Leadership, Governance, and Pandemic Recovery. It is 40-pages, free, offering guidance and hope for economic rebound with innovative ideas on how to reimagine the board room. To address the…
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Volunteering is a part of America’s culture. People step forward to help advance a cause or community. There are more than 1.5 million nonprofit, exempt organizations in the US. Each has a board of directors and committee structure composed of volunteers. While every person intends to add value, there are some behaviors that should…
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By Bob Harris, CAE Association planning retreats are convened every few years. They represent a significant investment in people’s time and meeting costs. Attendees are asked to create a 3 to 5-year roadmap. The results should best position the organization and communicate value to members. During the process, volunteers and staff will take deep dives…
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