Top 10 Blog Posts for 2023
Dec 26, 2023
The new year is coming up fast so let's do a brief self-evaluation and examine the blogs that made the most impact in our year.
What information was most helpful to your board in 2023?
Let's take a look back at the top 10 posts of 2023:
10. Do You Have a Boss? How Do You Know?
No, that is not your Executive Director or Chief Executive Officer. It is likely your Board Chair. Yes, I know. Your Chair is not your “boss”. It's more like a “primus inter pares” or first among equals (and still likely male). But you have willingly given that position some power and authority.
9. “High Performing Board Chair”: What Does ChatGPT Have To Say
You have no doubt read about ChatGPT and the implications for schools, universities, and journalism…But how can you make use of these new tools in your work as a Board member?
In order to test drive the artificial intelligence tool at a fairly high and broad level, I asked ChatGPT to explain the ten most significant factors to develop a high-performing not-for-profit board.
8. The Best Way to Develop the Chair and CEO Partnership
The relationship between the Chair and the Chief Officer is often challenging, not due to any particular stress or tension but rather the lack of collegiality developed over time. Most discussion focuses on the agenda of the next meeting and an issue of the day.
7. Dropping Programs: You Go First!
We are very good at adding programs and services. But how do we drop them? How do we address the concerns of the very small minority clinging to the outdated, too expensive program but still finding it useful? How do we reconcile high expenditure on a small number when the same funds could serve many for far greater impact?
6. Our Signature Program is Here! Integrate Board Improvement with Every Agenda!
Share this article with your friends and colleagues!
5. Four Ways to Improve the Chair/CEO Partnership
Why is the Chair/CEO partnership so often problematic or, perhaps even worse, just plain “meh.” How do we work to build a partnership that is robust and effective in service to the organization? Here are four basic practices for creating a culture where self-motivation can flourish.
4. Five Characteristics of Effective Executive Directors and Board Chairs
The measure of the executive, Peter Drucker reminds us, is the ability to “get the right things done.” This usually involves doing what other people have overlooked and avoiding what is unproductive. In an executive position, intelligence, imagination, and knowledge may all be wasted without the acquired habits of mind that mold them into results.
3. Governance to Management: A Sure Sign of Dysfunction
Let’s face it. We’ve all been there. Stepping a bit out of bounds. Crossing from policy to management, because it’s a bit easier, a bit more concrete and a bit more fun. We know it’s not our role and responsibilities, but we do I anyway. And then it can all go off the rails… Here’s one story.
2. Orientation and Onboarding: Who Does What? Pt. 1
Orientation and onboarding of new board members. What is your plan? What’s on your checklist? Who does what? Who is accountable? How?
1. Ten More Mistakes Boards Make About Termination
Employers (I am looking at you, CEO and Board Chair!) make some common mistakes that cause them untold but unnecessary grief. Here are the ten more big ones.
Hindsight is 20/20!
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P.S. May I ask a tiny favour? Would you mind sharing this blog with one person? I would love it. You can post the links in your Facebook Groups, LinkedIn or even send an email.
