[Ailist] Board of Directors Orientation

[JOHN WATSON]

Paula

Another excellent reference site is Peter Brinkerhoff
http://www.missionbased.blogspot.com/
with links to his monthly newsletter

One not for profit board I was involved with which had volunteer  non executive directors drawn from a wide cross section and had only really met for business purposes engaged, at one of the non exec directors prompting, in a series of appreciative conversations with one another between meetings, this was followed up by a dinner after a board meeting where some of these stories were shared and other stories told.  This helped the board develop a much better understanding and appreciation of each other and what they all could offer the organisation  At heart the conversation was about when did they feel they made the most difference to something they felt important, why each person was involved, what motivated them to join, what they enjoyed and gained from serving and what they brought to the organisation.  Feedback was positive and helped the organisation evolve and develop.

Apart from the sharing of stories, the fact that for only a small cost to the organisation directors felt they were being appreciated and valued and could enjoy more informal discussions in a convivial environment was also important.  We always had better director turn out to meetings where we fed them. Remember, directors need stroking!


 
John Watson
01505 874121

----- Original Message ----
From: "Pygriff at aol.com" <Pygriff at aol.com>
To: ailist at lists.business.utah.edu
Sent: Wednesday, 4 April, 2007 3:04:25 AM
Subject: [Ailist] Board of Directors Orientation

Folks:
 
I'm doing some research into best practices in orienting new members to 
nonprofit boards of directors.  I wonder if those of you who are on, or have been 
on BODs, would answer a couple of questions:
 
1.  When you joined a board of directors, what things were done for you or 
with you that helped you to:
 
---  feel a part of the board
---  bring your talents to the activities of the board
---  make a contribution to the organization
---  have a good time in the process
 
2.  What are one or two best practices you have seen in board of director 
orientation?  What made those things good or effective?
 
Many thanks for any ideas you may have!
 
Best wishes,
 
Paula Griffin
 
 
 
 
Paula Yardley Griffin
Consulting Today, resource for consultants, trainers, facilitators and coaches
Email: editor at consultingtoday.com Phone: 610.366.0165
Web: www.consultingtoday.com



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