Collaboration has a wide-ranging, comprehensive influence on your board of directors. When we talk about collaboration, we are not only referring to the ability of your directors to work together, but also to your board’s ability to work effectively with executive management, organizational stakeholders and the community.
There is a strong link between board collaboration, composition and overall board effectiveness. At its core, collaboration is about individuals working together for a common purpose. Do you have the right individuals in place? And are you giving them the tools they need to collaborate effectively?
Improving board collaboration involves setting clear expectations and providing board training on the importance of involvement and advocacy. It also means building consensus, commitment and a community of support. Although these involve your board as a whole, the true essence of collaboration starts with the individual.
JD Coaching and Consulting developed the Pentagon of Performance – a model for board performance – after conducting an extensive survey on board effectiveness. Collaboration is one-fifth of a framework that measures the strength of nonprofit boards. Request a copy of our benchmark study on Nonprofit Board Performance.
How does the collaboration of your board measure against high-performing boards? Contact JD Coaching and Consulting to learn more.