7 Steps for Effective Pro Bono Boards
Many NFP Boards are comprised of directors and members who graciously volunteer their time and skills. These ‘Pro Bono’ Boards are still required to function at the same level as professional boards all be it with much more limited resources.
A recent article by Kate Costello (Founder and Managing Director of corporate governance company, Governance Matters) outlines what she believes to be the 7 steps for an effective Pro Bono Board. In summary these are:
1. Size of the Board - Inefficiencies arrive when a board exceeds 9 members.
2. Right Mix of Skills - Membership needs to be based on potential contribution, not as a reward
3. Choose the Chair on Ability - A board well led is a successful board
4. Effective Allocation of Board Time - Spend most of your time look through the windscreen (forward) not the rear-view mirror
5. Measure Strategy Outcomes - We get what we measure, not what we expect.
6. Exhibit Right Behaviour - Be a functional unit comprised of functional members, not a dysfunctional unit with dysfunctional members.
7. Understand the line between governance and management - Ensure there are no grey areas, and that management and the board know what their respective responsibilities are and trust each other to carry them out.
Looking at this list, how does your board stack up? Is it an effective board?
The Avondale Business School can assist your board to become a high performing board – find out how by contacting Warrick Long at the Avondale Business School.
P: 02 4980 2168