Working Together

Effective governance is a team sport.  It assumes collaboration and open communication between members of the board and between the board and staff.  

Working together requires an understanding of shared goals and values, and an appreciation of each party’s perspectives and respective strengths.  It assumes an environment where healthy and constructive conflict is promoted, where the board and staff display curiosity and openness to new ideas, clear decision rules, and where the board’s decisions are respected.  Effective teamwork enhances decision-making, promotes diverse perspective, and increases overall efficiency.  It is essential for creating a unified vision and ensuring that all members feel valued and engaged, contributing to a positive organizational culture and improved outcomes.

Latest Resources

Article Why Boards Need to Be More Agile

Post-pandemic, boards have asked to meet more often, do more, and think bigger. One governance expert shares what that process looks like.

Article Conversation Versus Conflict

Sometimes healthy dialogue involves disagreement, so boards need to get comfortable with tension and vigorous debate.

Article Peak Performance: Key Governance Practices for Association Boards

Boards that consistently perform at the highest level have qualities in common.

Article Models of Civility

Board members have a responsibility to set an example of civil discourse and ethical conduct for their community.

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To manage a board of directors well, every CEO needs core skills that cover everything from setting strategy to facilitating conversation. They take...

Article How to Deal With Bad Board Behavior

Difficult board members are real, but sometimes it takes a more nuanced approach to figure out if they are really a problem—or if...

Article Help Your Board Be the Best Version of Itself

Successful CEOs recognize that three practices—enabling ongoing learning, ensuring alignment, and modeling accountability—are vital to engaging volunteer leaders’ vision, empowering leadership, and sustaining...

Prevent Three Common Board Communication Mistakes

Communication mistakes can make boards be less effective. Fostering a solid structure can help boards communicate better with each other and members.

Create a More Engaging Volunteer System

An ASAE Research Foundation study shows that association volunteers are generally satisfied with their volunteer experience, but the responses also highlight opportunities for...

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