Five-Minute Snapshot of Board Effectiveness

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One of the most significant assets of a not-for-profit organization is its board of directors. The difference between a responsible board and an effective one can be found in principles such as strategy, focus, intentionality, diversity, organization, knowledge, communication, engagement and action. This Five-Minute Board Snapshot will help you determine whether there are any areas in which your board could be more effective, and your experience as a board member more rewarding.

1. Every member of our board fully understands and supports the organization’s mission and purpose.

Strongly Disagree-----------------------Strongly Agree

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2. Our mission and vision is front and center in all of our discussions and decisions as a board.

Strongly Disagree------------------------Strongly Agree

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3. Our board regularly engages in strategic thinking and has championed a strategic planning process within the last 24 months.

Strongly Disagree------------------------Strongly Agree

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4. We regularly take steps to create a more constructive partnership with the CEO.

Strongly Disagree------------------------Strongly Agree

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5. We regularly take steps to create stronger working relationships among board members.

Strongly Disagree------------------------Strongly Agree

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6. Within the last year, we have evaluated the CEO's performance and have provided constructive feedback on strengths and areas for improvement.

Strongly Disagree------------------------Strongly Agree

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7. Within the last year, we as a board have evaluated our own performance in fulfilling our responsibilities.

Strongly Disagree------------------------Strongly Agree

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8. Our board meetings foster mutual respect, open communication and constructive debate.

Stongly Disagree------------------------Strongly Agree

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9. Our communication between board meetings is effective and accelerates our progress toward goals.

Strongly Disagree------------------------Strongly Agree

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10. Our board has a policy of transparency, both externally (with interested members of the public) and internally (every board member has equal access to information for decision-making).

Strongly Disagree------------------------Strongly Agree

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11. Our board is highly results-oriented. Our organization has clear goals and we regularly gauge progress and performance against those goals.

Strongly Disagree------------------------Strongly Agree

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12. Our board and committee structures are organized effectively and purposefully; our structure supports our mission and priorities.

Strongly Disagree------------------------Strongly Agree

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13. We have an effective board recruitment, development and engagement strategy.

Strongly Disagree------------------------Strongly Agree

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14. I am satisfied with my contributions and those of my fellow board members.

Strongly Disagree------------------------Strongly Agree

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15. What single change would have the greatest impact on your board's effectiveness?

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Tandem Partners is an organizational consulting firm specializing in people strategies that drive business results. We help both for-profit and non-profit business leaders manage strategy, improve productivity and maximize business performance through people. For more information on evaluating your board of directors' effectiveness, please contact Margaret Wilson at 443-589-1152 or via email: margaret@tandem-partners.com .

Copyright 2008 Tandem Partners

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