By MyCity4Her Affiliate Crista LeGrand
1. Evaluate Expectations – Often overlooked, but quite important is the outlining of expectations. Using the Equation of Expectations, it is possible to increase understanding and cooperation between the CEO and Board of Directors.
2. Perform a Structural Analysis; Check Policies – Organizations need to have solid foundations and working components. Careful review reveals structural components such as committees, task forces, departments, policies and the board itself. Policies are those written explanations of what to do and how to do it when situations occur with personnel and operations. They provide guidance for directors, members and staff. Some policies are required by law; others are required by common sense.
3. Complete a Management Audit – There are numerous documents and files required to operate officially and efficiently. This step establishes methods for setting up and maintaining oversight for file and records retention.
4. Analyze the Financial Picture – Organizations strive to accomplish their missions while satisfying leaders and members; this truly is their goal. However, this must be done within the financial framework of the organization using available and attainable resources. A comprehensive analysis of the needs of the organization coupled with the revenue sources is helpful in determining the scope and depth of its operations.
5. IRS Form 990 Discussion – The new IRS regulations governing disclosure and compliance have significantly changed. No longer can the Director plead ignorance; they must be informed, aware and responsible.
6. Conduct a Board Performance Review – In most organizations, everything is evaluated and scrutinized except the board. The board just continues on, acting as if it was omnipotent and all knowing. Most boards fear self examination, but if done properly, it is no worse the than a simple report showing areas of competency and “needs improvement.”
7. Review the Strategic Plan and Mission – A plan of action is necessary for most organizations.. The plan often borrows military language and uses descriptive words such as strategic and tactical. This should not confuse people and the emphasis should always be “getting from one place to another.” Brief and to the point, the mission of any organization sets the course and defines what it is.
8. Begin a Course on Leadership Development – Just as any professional baseball team develops talent through a farm system, an organization must also discover and nurture its future leaders. This can be done through the committee structure in which people are assigned to various positions and then evaluated. The “talent/skills matrix” is also a valuable tool in determining the skills and strengths of the board.
© Copyright, 2011, Clemons & Associates, Inc.