Board Chair Cohort

Thank you to those who were able to join the cohort meeting today! If you could not attend, the slide deck and resources are under "documents." If you want the link to the meeting recording, please email me at [email protected].

A question raised during today's meeting was: How do you deal with Board Members whose behavior limits the effectiveness of board meetings (e.g., not doing pre-work, asking off-topic questions, stepping out of their role)?

The answer the participants on the call came up with: Board Norms!

Boards should establish agreed-upon meeting norms. These norms can be reviewed at the beginning of each meeting or as frequently as needed.

Follow these guidelines when creating norms:
- Determine them together
- Clarify meaning
- Memorable - Limit to 5-7
- Try to phrase in the positive
- Keep them Visible (e.g., top of your agenda document)
- Hold People Accountable

It is ultimately the job of the President or Chair to hold the board accountable to these norms. If a "violation" is made collectively or by multiple board members, it is appropriate to provide a gentle reminder during a meeting. However, if there is one common offender, it is best to address that person privately. When having these difficult conversations, consider planning out what you will say ahead of time using this template:

1. How will you initiate the conversation?
Example: "I have something I’d like to discuss with you that I think will help the board work together more effectively."

2. Name the issue professionally with examples.
Example: "During last week's board meeting, it was clear that you did not read the draft handbook beforehand. Your questions about the new dress code and class schedule were addressed in the handbook, and the principal had to direct you to the sections that were in question. You asked the board to wait while you read those sections."

3. Describe the effect/consequences of the behavior on colleagues, peers, and/or the school.
Example: "Time taken during our meetings to read documents provided ahead of time or answer questions that have been addressed in other forms hinders the efficiency of our meetings and limits the time we have for true discussion of the critical issues. We spent 20 minutes beyond what was on the agenda on the handbook."

4. Share a willingness to resolve the issue and have a dialogue about it.
Example: "It is a board norm that members read all provided materials before the meeting. I really wanted to bring this up to you privately so we can discuss some possible solutions."

5. Allow time for the other person to respond.
(Be silent and listen.)

ADD TO THE DISCUSSION:

WHAT ARE YOUR BOARD'S NORMS?

Created: October 17, 2024 10:10:40 PM