Boards looking to improve performance should take a thorough approach. This includes ensuring that the board has the correct mix of skills in creating a positive atmosphere and streamlining processes. By addressing these key areas, boards will be able enhance best practices and speed up decision making.
The chair of the board is an important aspect in determining how a board will function. A chair who lacks leadership or coordination skills will not be able to create an environment in which directors are able to offer their own views and participate in productive conversations. A chair who is unsure and overly controlled can create a situation where the board is not transparent and discussions are stifled.
Dysfunction is among the most frequent issues a board faces. While this issue can result from personal conflicts between board members, it can be caused by inadequate structures to carry the board’s performance assessment duties. Delegating these responsibilities to an executive committee or the board will often result in subpar oversight.
Another important thing to consider is the performance of the board in regards to its ability to access and process information. Having access to the right information can greatly enhance board effectiveness and enable boards to make more informed decisions. However many boards are not using effective processes to share information and source. It will be difficult to improve the performance of a board unless this problem is addressed.
http://www.boardroompro.net/5-organizational-assessment-tools-for-nonprofits/