Tired of board meetings where vision statements gather dust and strategic plans feel more like presidential decrees? Many college and university boards find themselves passively accepting, rather than actively shaping, the future of their institution. But a shift is possible. Here's how we can empower boards to become true strategic partners with their presidents:
- From Education to Empowerment: Ditch the "boardroom basics" training. Equip members with strategic thinking, financial analysis, and scenario planning skills. They need to ask tough questions, not just nod politely.
- Shared Vision, Active Partnership: Reframe the dynamic. It's not "president tells, board sells." Joint vision-building retreats foster co-creation and shared ownership of the strategic direction.
- Break the Information Silos: Ensure board members have timely, comprehensive data well before meetings. They need insights to navigate discussions, not scramble for understanding mid-presentation.
- Facilitate, Don't Dictate: Engage a neutral facilitator to guide strategic discussions, ensuring all voices are heard and fostering productive debate. Open dialogue leads to better decisions.
- From Passive Listeners to Active Participants: Pre-circulate materials, encourage critical questions, and actively solicit diverse perspectives. Board members shouldn't just "show up" – they should engage strategically.
- Independent Assessments: Commission objective evaluations of strategic initiatives. This provides unbiased feedback and empowers the board to hold the president accountable for progress.
- Beyond Checklists: Schedule regular meetings dedicated solely to strategic oversight. Go beyond approving budgets and delve into deeper discussions about goal achievement and course corrections.
- Embrace Self-Reflection: Conduct regular board self-evaluations. Are they fulfilling their strategic oversight role effectively? Identifying areas for improvement is crucial for growth.
- Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements from collaborative strategic planning. This reinforces the value of the partnership and motivates sustained engagement.
Remember, change takes time and commitment. By fostering a culture of collaboration, education, and shared responsibility, we can empower boards to become active partners in shaping the future of their institutions.
Let's continue the conversation! Share your thoughts and experiences on empowering boards for strategic partnership in the comments below. How can we break the "rubber stamp" mold and build thriving board-president collaborations?
#highereducation #governance #strategicplanning #boardleadership #university
Robert (Skip) Myers, Ph.D., directs Casagrande Consulting's Board Effectiveness Practice and provides advice and counsel to college and university governing boards seeking to optimize their performance.
