How can you improve board performance?

2 Set clear expectations

The second step to improve board performance is to set clear expectations for your board members and the board as a whole. You need to define what are the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of each board member, and how they will be measured and evaluated. You also need to establish what are the core functions and priorities of the board, and how they will be aligned with your strategy and objectives. You can use documents such as board charter, bylaws, code of conduct, and performance indicators to communicate and clarify your expectations.

3 Provide training and development

The third step to improve board performance is to provide training and development opportunities for your board members. You need to ensure that your board members have the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies to perform their duties effectively. You also need to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, and encourage your board members to seek feedback, coaching, and mentoring. You can use various resources and platforms to offer training and development programs, such as online courses, workshops, webinars, or peer networks.

4 Enhance board diversity and inclusion

The fourth step to improve board performance is to enhance board diversity and inclusion. You need to ensure that your board reflects the diversity of your organization, your stakeholders, and your environment. You also need to ensure that your board fosters a culture of inclusion, where all board members feel valued, respected, and heard. You can use various strategies and practices to enhance board diversity and inclusion, such as recruitment, succession planning, nomination, orientation, and engagement.

5 Foster board collaboration and communication

The fifth step to improve board performance is to foster board collaboration and communication. You need to ensure that your board works as a cohesive and effective team, where board members share a common vision, trust each other, and support each other. You also need to ensure that your board communicates clearly and transparently, both internally and externally, and that it solicits and responds to feedback and input from relevant parties. You can use various tools and techniques to foster board collaboration and communication, such as board meetings, committees, retreats, reports, newsletters, or social media.

6 Review and improve your board performance

The sixth and final step to improve board performance is to review and improve your board performance on a regular basis. You need to monitor and measure how your board is performing against your expectations, and identify any gaps, challenges, or opportunities for improvement. You also need to celebrate and recognize your board achievements, and share your board successes and learnings with your organization and your stakeholders. You can use various mechanisms and processes to review and improve your board performance, such as board evaluation, feedback, reporting, recognition, or improvement plans.