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Look here for information and the latest techniques to develop your board or committee. The purpose is to help those who work or serve on nonprofit boards of directors or committees.

~ December 2006 ~ Topic

Asking the Right Questions

We know that board members should not try to micromanage staff, but, if not, how does the board carry out its governance responsibilities in the areas of program and priorities?

One obvious way is the strategic planning process where the board (with the assistance of senior staff) sets the priority strategic goals for the next year(s).

But it doesn't stop here. The board must continue to ask questions about program progress at board meetings; request measurable outcomes; hear reports from staff and program volunteers and testimony, when possible, from those whom the program serves. Board members should also visit programs, when feasible.

When new programs or changes in current ones are suggested by staff, the board should ask if a needs assessment were conducted to determine that the program or change is needed. They should ask if and how this new program or change will implement the mission of the organization, and if it is unnecessarily duplicative of work done by other organizations. They should ask, "Is this one of the most important things we should be doing?"

Governance is not just reviewing financial statements. It is setting policies and fostering a climate that says, "We want to deliver services and fulfill our mission in the most effective ways possible."

Jeanne Bradner can be reached at Jeannebrad@aol.com.

See our online bookstore for Jeanne Bradner's book on boards: The Board Member’s Guide: A Beneficial Bestiary and Leading Volunteers for Results: Building Communities Today, and Passionate Volunteerism.