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.’…
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…
By 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…
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…
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…
I am following up on the article that was published here in March 2019 about Managing Your Board’s Expectations and Your Staff’s Workload During Strategic Planning. I will be writing from experience as to why I have left a few boards because the demand on my time was interfering with my professional and personal life.…
By Bob Harris, CAE The directors griped, “We start the meeting with the first order of business being approval of the previous minutes. An hour is wasted talking about what we did at the last meeting and whether the information is accurate.” Losing the first hour of a board meeting is deflating. The directors arrive…
By Bob Harris, CAE An association relies on its board to govern. It sets the vision and advances the mission to best position the organization and serve its members. Through the pandemic, some directors may have reasons they can no longer volunteer. Concerns about jobs, business survival, health and family come first. It is…
By Bob Harris, CAE An association or chamber is a group of persons 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 a 1) mission statement and 2) a volunteer board of directors. Good governance…
Bob Harris, CAE Boards have been known to chase squirrels, hold rump sessions and disregard the strategic plan, rules of order and governing documents. Every board intends to produce results — but distractions and dysfunctions arise. The average size board is 15 persons. Size matters in order to facilitate meaningful conversations. Most meet quarterly. Directors…
