Forward this message to a friend
Capability Company

A Message from our President

Dear Colleague,

I just sat down at a conference table, waiting for a board meeting (for which I am early) to begin. Looking around at the empty seats with agendas sitting patiently for their readers, I am struck by how I am looking forward to this meeting, rather than regretting the time away from my desk. Thinking more about it, I realize my positive attitude directly correlates to the energy, enthusiasm, and involvement of the other members yet to arrive. Our discussions are always productive and our time together is enjoyable. That hasn't always been the case with other boards with which I have served, but it is for this one. And what a difference that makes.

This month's article delves deeper into this phenomenon of meaningful discussions encouraging positive energy which leads to valuable results. With just a bit of thought beforehand, board retreats and meetings can be events you look forward to, rather than regret the time spent.

Don't forget to let us know about your ideas for ezine articles, upcoming calendar events, and colleagues who need assistance with their searches.

So, on this beautiful fall day, I wish you productive, pleasant conversations that help move your mission forward. Cheers!

Cheers!

Sherry Heuser
President, Capability Company

View Capability Company's profile on LinkedIn
________________________________________________

Current Searches

Good business comes from good referrals. If you like the work we do, please remember to pass our name along to those in need of our services. Thank you.

Back to Top

________________________________________________

Article of the Month

Word count: 488
Approximate Reading Time: 4 Minutes

Talking it out at Board Retreats

by Sherry Heuser

Board Retreat: Two words that can make even smart, creative, energetic people cringe. The date is scheduled, the announcement is made, and the dread begins. Why? Are we expecting to rehash the same, stale topics? Battle it out over divisive issues? Suffer through forced team-building exercises that don't actually strengthen our team? Maybe. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Board retreats should be open conversations about the organization, the big picture discussions that set the tone, moving the board beyond the nitty gritty that occurs during regular board meetings. Committees can fill in the details and staff can implement plans, but the board must figure out what the organization will look and feel like.

This begins with how the board members communicate with and relate to each other during the retreat. Relaxed, comfortable individuals are more likely to join in the discussion and respect their colleagues. Are they able to share ideas without being judged or squelched? Do they feel at ease bringing up concerns? Are they eager to participate? Although agendas are necessary to keeping everyone on track, having too tight a schedule or planning the outcome before encouraging discussion can result in members feeling railroaded into a decision or left out of the process altogether. Make sure the conversations about the issues are the focus of the meeting, even if it means that final resolutions are left for another day.

Knowing that a board made up of individuals from varied backgrounds makes it stronger, these distinctions can make understanding each other more challenging. Members do not join boards for the same reasons, do not have the same expectations of their role, and do not see the organization in the same way. Rather than create a manufactured exercise to learn obscure information about other members, provide an opportunity for members to share what is important to them about the organization and why they are committed to it. The organization is the mutual connecting point in the diverse group and the "team" is built through ongoing interactions, not in a game.

The goal is to keep the conversation moving forward in a productive, respectful, helpful manner. Board members can become "bored" members or resentful about how their volunteer time is being used if the pace and design of the meeting doesn't match the group. The logistics should be tailored to the members attending and the organization's circumstances. Offsite or in-house? Meals, snacks, or neither? Daytime, evening, or weekend? Outside facilitator or self-led? These decisions may seem extraneous, but they play a part in setting the stage for meaningful interactions. If board members are distracted, uncomfortable, or unable (or unwilling) to attend, the purpose of the retreat is defeated.

When it comes down to it, the goal of a board retreat is for the group to talk, listen, and think about the organization together. Encourage discussion and participation, and be aware of roadblocks that detour productive conversation.

Bottom Line: Creating an environment and encouraging the opportunity to "talk it out" is the real purpose of a board retreat.

Sherry Heuser is president of Capability Company Consulting, a Raleigh, N.C.-based firm supporting nonprofit organizations' searches for key hires.

Back to Top

________________________________________________

Event Calendar

Visit the current calendar of events on our website.

________________________________________________

 

In This Issue

Current Searches
Article of the Month
The Bottom Line
Event Calendar

_______________

A Client's Perspective

"[Our new Deputy Director] has told me several times how much of a difference it made to her that you handled the application process so professionally. I know that we would not have been able to attract her to SCSJ without your excellent work.”

Anita S. Earls
Executive Director
Southern Coalition for Social Justice
_______________

Heard Around Town

"Friendship is when people know all about you but like you anyway"

Found on a coffee mug
_______________

Submit an Event

Let us know about your upcoming professional development events by emailing us at info@capabilitycompany.com. Please give the date(s) and any additional pertinent information.
_______________

Give Us Feedback

Is there something you'd like to see? Something you'd like to change? Your opinion is important to us.  Please, send us an email and let us know.

8300 Clarks Branch Drive | Raleigh, North Carolina 27613 | 919.791.3700
Visit us online at www.capabilitycompany.com or e-mail us at info@capabilitycompany.com



powered by emma