Nonprofit boards must create an effective structure together with the policies and procedures that support good governance.  Board structure is one-fifth of the Pentagon of Performance—an instrument developed by JD Coaching and Consulting after conducting extensive research on board performance.  High-performing boards with an effective report more engagement and enhanced collaboration from their members.

Structure is more than just the size of your board; to be efficient and successful, boards must create a strong committee structure and meeting framework to ensure the board’s time is utilized well.

Questions to address:

• How large should your board be?
• How many board committees should exist to be most effective?
• How long should a board member serve?
• How can your board organize its meeting to be most efficient?
• How often should meetings be held and how long should they be?
• How do you ensure the discussions taking place in your board’s meetings are of quality and helping promote the mission, vision and assets of the organization your board’s serves?

What does your board need to improve its structure?  JD Coaching & Consulting has helped numerous nonprofit boards evaluate and design the appropriate structure for achieving their potential.  If you are interested in learning more you can request a copy of our benchmark study.

Board performance is inextricably linked to a nonprofit’s success. The board has a weighty responsibility to safeguard the mission, vision and assets of the organization they serve. This is only possible when board members understand their role and the primary facets of the agency. They must be educated in the following categories:

• History and programs
• Strategy
• Current situation
• Governance role
• Fiduciary responsibility
• Fundraising and development

High performing boards have an effective process for on-boarding and educating new members. They also invest in periodic continuing education. So what are you doing to make sure the individuals on your board have the knowledge they need to not only fulfill their role as part of a board of directors, but to feel fulfilled as well?

JD Coaching and Consulting developed the Pentagon of Performance after conducting an extensive survey on board performance. Education is one-fifth of a framework that measures the strength of nonprofit boards. Let’s explore the various dimensions of the Pentagon of Performance and how it could further develop your board. Request a copy of our Nonprofit Board Performance benchmark study.

Would you be interested in assessing how your board measures against high-performing boards? Contact us to learn more.

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.