Over the past few months, we have been considering a different way of approaching board governance. Or more clearly stated, the relationship between the board and the chief executive. In this months’ post, we consider how creating an environment where roles and expectations are clear, and when people openly communicate with each other can equip them to move together.
Here is a chart that outlines the three desired environments, helpful behaviors, and potential outcomes that we have been considering:
About five months ago, I began working with a board and head of school to design (from scratch) a governance model that would guide their relationship and the organization they lead. We started by getting very clear on the role of the board and the role of the head of school. That might sound like an obvious first step, but it proved insightful and ultimately helpful in creating a more collaborative relationship.
We began by outlining who is going to do what, who is responsible for what, how they are going to do it, and by when. Again, that might sound a little basic, but you’d be surprised what people think their role is or assume what you think your role is. The key here is to ask the question of each other without giving your answer to what their role is. In other words, be open.
Then something magical happened around 7 pm that very same board meeting. One board member said, ‘it’s been more like a paso doble (pasō ˈdōblā) rather than a pas de deux.’ If you’re familiar with ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ you may recall a paso doble is a fast-paced ballroom style dance based on a Latin-American style of marching, reminiscent of a bullfight.
This board member’s empathetic comment created a safe place for others to open up, to share freely and candidly which each other. As a result, the board and head of school moved more in step with each other, creating a closer working relationship that could pay huge dividends instead of fraying each other’s nerves.
This is not to say that you shouldn’t disagree or discourage different viewpoints from being shared. What is being encouraged here is that by understanding each other’s roles and creating an open environment, those inside the board room can bring 100% of themselves to the conversation, leveraging all of their creativity, uniqueness, and talent.
At the end of the day, the relationship between the chief executive and the board is one of the most important relationships within any organization. Moving together and in the same direction is imperative to implementing the mission.
Have a question, thought, or example you’d like to share? I’d love to hear it! Please comment below. You may also reach me directly at lons@designgroupintl.com.
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