The BoardOnTrack mantra is Knowledge + Action = Results. The data is great, but it’s only as good as the actions you take with it.
Once you've set your strategy by conducting an inventory and creating a prioritized list of board expansion needs, you're ready to follow good process in order to build alignment with your governance team.
1. CEO’s Input
Ideally, your CEO plays an active role in the work of the governance committee and was part of the discussions that informed your recruiting strategy.
Make sure that your CEO has a chance to weigh in on the board expansion goals and timeline.
Your board should have skills that complement the skills of the senior management team of the organization and should serve as a valuable thought partner to the CEO. It is vital that the CEO is aligned with the board on the skills and perspectives that would be most helpful to them.
2. Committee Input
Form follows function. The Governance Committee should connect with each committee, discuss their prioritized goals, and learn what additional skills those committee members think are needed to round out their team and tackle the priority issues over the next few years.
3. Draft Board Expansion Goals
Based on the results of the discussion above, the Governance Committee should formulate a clear set of board expansion goals.
4. Full Board Alignment
Once the committee and CEO are in agreement about the recommended path forward, the final step is to review and discuss the strategic questions with the full board and to request a vote to approve the board expansion goals.
If done right, finding and recruiting trustees takes a significant amount of time, and it is vital that the full board is in agreement about the strategic priorities and timeline.
Getting this alignment now will save a great deal of potential frustration later on.
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