Key Characteristics of Good Board Management

Good board management is about the board’s structure, culture, and the decision-making process as well as its people. The key elements of good management are proper behavior and a clear understanding of the board’s role and obligations. Effective boards http://www.boardbook.blo also recognize when they have to refresh their focus and attract new blood.

Appropriate behavior includes not being shy to speak out, respecting the organization, management and clinicians, and enjoying board service as a responsibility of citizenship. It is important to distinguish between management and governance and to be aware of the impact of a board’s decisions on other members.

A clear understanding of the board’s role is vital as is a well-constructed policy process. Policies are essential to allow boards to fulfill their 3 principal roles, which include setting strategy, making significant and strategic choices and overseeing the work of the company. Effective policies can help direct discussions, eliminate duplicate effort and reduce the burden of management to prepare tangential information or overly detailed information for the board.

A well-organized agenda can greatly improve the effectiveness of a board meeting. The best way to arrange an agenda is to break it down into items for information action, strategic discussion and information. This helps the board know its responsibilities and reduces any worries that it might need to decide on informational items. It is essential that taskforces and committees have clearly defined guidelines and a process to avoid duplication of work. It is also beneficial to have an official secretary for the company who can assist in organizing meetings, manage the flow and information, and develop extensive board materials that include relevant background documents.