Institute for Organization Management - A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

  • About
    • General Information
      • Institute Policies and Procedures
      • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
    • Recruitment Toolkit
    • Prospective Student Toolkit
    • Media
    • Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions
    • Contact Us
  • Curriculum
    • Core Curriculum
    • Elective Curriculum
    • Webinars & Resource Center
  • Sites & Dates
    • Winter Institute
    • Midwest Institute
    • Southeast Institute
    • Northeast Institute
    • 2023 Institute Schedule
  • Registration
    • Register Now!
    • Deadlines and Fees
    • Scholarships
      • Enrollment Incentives
      • State Partner Scholarship
  • Who’s Who
    • Staff
    • Volunteers
    • Faculty
    • Sponsors
    • Alumni
      • IOM Alumni Database
  • Blog
A PROGRAM OF THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION
 

IOM Blog

April 27, 2022

Four Steps to Better Board Engagement

One of the most common questions I get asked is “How can I get my board to be better engaged?” Although it is difficult to change a culture of apathy or disengagement, it can be done over time and with the right tools.

Most of the time that there is a disconnect, it’s in one or more of these areas. Here are four tools that I have seen transform boards of directors.

1. Commitment Form/Job Description

The full expectations of board service must be articulated in the “commitment/accountability form” or “job description” given to the potential board member prior to their nomination. Once they understand and agree to all the expectations of board service, then their name can be submitted for nomination. It’s also good practice to have returning board members agree to it annually as situations can change with their availability, employer, and other commitments.

2. Immediate & Thorough Onboarding

Every new board member must be properly onboarded by the executive after their election/appointment but before their first board meeting. This includes their board notebook (paper or digital,) the organization’s mission, vision, core values, strategic plan, tutorial on how to understand the financials, bylaws, the last 3 months of minutes and last 3 months of financials. This equips the brand-new board member to be a prepared and engaged participant at their first board meeting.

3. Annual Board Development Training Workshop

It is important to provide annual board development training for all board members within a month or so of the new board’s first meeting. This is typically a 3-4 hour interactive workshop where, together, they learn all-things-governance such roles, responsibilities, obligations, legal, ethical, & fiduciary duties, as well as internal specifics such as dues and non-dues revenue, products and services offered, and industry best practices.

4. Get Them Actively Involved in Strategic Planning

Take at least one day per year to develop goals and strategies together so that the board has a hand in shaping the direction of the organization. Get offsite if you can to experience a fresh environment for creativity to flow. Use the services of a professional facilitator so that all board and staff can be participants. Review your strategic plan regularly so that it’s clear who is working on what, who is expected to help with which items, and what is being measured to gauge progress. It’s human nature for board members to support what they had a hand in crafting.

 

Make efforts to implement these 4 steps and you will be on your way to a higher performing board of directors. These 4 steps make room for clarity and accountability to replace ambiguity and apathy.

Avatar photo
Alysia Cook, IOM, PCED
Principal
Opportunity Strategies LLC

Alysia Cook, IOM, PCED is Principal of Opportunity Strategies LLC. With 29 years of experience, her company provides customized training, professional facilitation, and strategic planning services for chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and other nonprofits and associations. Learn more at OpportunityStrategies.com

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
DONATE NOW!
UPDATE CONTACT INFO
Sign-up for Emails
Approved Provider

About

  • General Information
  • Contact Us
  • Curriculum
  • Prospective Student Toolkit

Sites & Dates

  • Winter Institute
  • Midwest Institute
  • Southeast Institute
  • Northeast Institute

Resources

  • Scholarships
  • Faculty
  • Sponsors
  • Update Contact Info
  • Volunteers

Follow IOM

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
IOM Blog

Institute for Organization Management - A program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce © 2023 | Privacy Policy