How to Address Board Performance Problems
A comprehensive approach is needed for boards that want to improve their performance. This involves ensuring that the board is equipped with the appropriate mix of expertise, creating a positive culture and streamlining processes. By addressing these critical areas, boards will be able to enhance best practices and speed up the process of making decisions.
The chair of the board is a crucial aspect in determining how a board will function. A chair with no leadership or coordination skills will not be able to create a space which directors are able to offer their own perspectives and engage in productive discussions. Additionally, a chair that is too smug and insecure may create a climate in which the board is less than transparent and hinders discussion.
One of the most frequent problems a board will face is dysfunction. This problem can be caused by personal conflicts among board members or it may be due to inadequate structures that facilitate the board’s responsibility for performance assessment. The decision to leave these duties to the board as a whole or delegating them to the executive committee will often lead to a lack of oversight.
Another important thing to consider is the performance of the board in regards to its ability to access and process information. Access to the correct data will improve board effectiveness, and allow boards to make better decisions. However many boards have inadequate methods for sourcing and sharing information. Unless this is addressed it will be difficult for boards to improve their performance.
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