Is the board asking the right questions? Identify the real issues!
I really love this quote “It is not that I am so smart. I stay with the questions much longer”. Albert Einstein
When you reflect on the performance of your board can you see evidence that your board
identifies the opportunities for your organisation? Does the board identify the real issues facing your organisation and the significant challenges that lie ahead?
Can your board reframe the challenges and identify 2-4 questions that will enable the collectivel engagement in a different kind of discussion that leads to impactful outcomes. This is not easy work, but it is necessary if the board is to play a vital role in strengthening the organisations performance.
So What Helps?
• Communicate for clarity – identify the important decisions at each level
• The board acts as critical friend –building a constructive partnership with the CEO and Executive Team
• A high level of board trust supported by a culture of inquiry, the right frame for debate and dialogue and a safe space to have difficult, but much needed delicate discussions
• Well crafted board agendas – the core issues are identified and decision making is effective – share, refine decision making plans, priortise and focus on the most urgent and important decisions
• Effective meetings where smart questions are considered. Great questions elicit more strategic discussions and result in actionable outcomes
• Spotting embedded issues and cues and clues that demonstrate if the organisation is achieving the desired impact
• Clarify and advocate for responsibility –tap into your stakeholder positioning and engagement strategy and ensure your are attracting and supporting appropriate participation