I believe that most successful trade associations have Boards of Directors that are not only functional but whose directors have developed trusting relationships amongst each other.
I have had the pleasure of seeing dozens of Boards of Directors interact with each other. Here are some of my observations about how Boards develop trusting relationships:
1. The members treat each other inside and outside the boardroom with respect both professionally and personally
2. The members begin every meeting sharing one recent business success and one recent personal success
3. Consent agendas are used allowing the Board to focus its time on mission critical issues, not administrative ones
4. The members keep the organization’s mission and strategic plan at the forefront of their minds in meetings
Tell me about some of the characteristics of the successful (or even unsuccessful) Boards you have seen.
Leave a comment