Key Questions for Board and Senior Staff

I'M PREPARING FOR A BOARD WORKSHOP ON ROLES and responsibilities, and we'll be spending a good chunk of time reviewing a self-assessment board members participated in a few weeks ago. The organization's director and I decided to use the self-assessment as the launch pad for a series of discussion questions that we think will encourage board members to dig deeper into how to apply established responsibilities to the institution.

I think they're pretty good, so I wanted to share them with you. Feel free to share them with your boards.

How frequently and deeply is the mission used to drive organizational goals and values?
What is the role of the executive director vis-a-vis the board in financial stewardship?
Besides finances, what are the biggest risks facing the institution?
How can interaction among board members be enhanced?
Is the needed mix of talent at the board table for now and the next five years?
How can the level of information and idea exchange at board meetings be effectively increased?
How can the board be more visible to the organization's constituents?
What are the one or two factors that are critical to the board-director relationship?
What changes in board structure or practices could enhance the organization's ability to fulfill its mission?

Photo: 2008-0625 IAA Board Meeting 067 from Arts Alliance Illinois

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