To ensure a collaborative engagement between the board and the executive director the following keys to success need to be in place:
A. A strong partnership between the board chair and executive director.
B. A good working relationship between the executive director and each board member.
- It is important for the executive director to know each of the board members well enough to know who to go to for help in a specific area, and who to alert when a topic of particular interest is going to be discussed.
C. A thoughtful process by which the board evaluates the executive director annually based on mutually agreed goals.
D. An annual board self-evaluation process that keeps the board's focus on what is most important.
- This self-evaluation process tests the board's governance practices and helps to refocus the board on the priorities established in the plan.
- Ideally there is a strategic plan that describes the organization's goals and provides a context in which meaningful work for the board is identified.
E. Board members are informed about programs, finance and fundraising, image, legal and other matters important to their governance role.
F. Use outside expertise when necessary and appropriate.
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