20/20 Board Health Checkup

For organizations updating or reforming their governance models, there are many variables at play.

By The FORUM Magazine Editors

For organizations updating or reforming their governance models, there are many variables at play. Need guidance? Look no further, as the Association Management Center provides a checklist to help navigate the process.

	Governance Area Description	Yes	No	Requires Action
1.	Board Size and Makeup
	Not too big, not too small, just right—balanced.
	Crafted on the basis of needed competencies, focusing on the future and diversity/balance.
2.	Board Role
	Respect for fiduciaries—care, loyalty, obedience.
	Respect for conflicts (of interest).
	Respect for the “non-official” fiduciaries of curiosity and foresight.
3.	Board/Staff Partnership
	Appreciation for who is best equipped to do what.
	Empowerment to get the right things done well.
4.	Trust and Respect Among Leaders
	Less focus on former leaders.
	More focus on future leaders.
5.	Civility in the Community
	Maintain civility in community and the boardroom.
6.	Nimble and Focused Decision Making
	Appropriate decision-making methodology and authority to anticipate changes in the competitive environment.
7.	Clarity on Priorities
	Alignment on what we can do.
	Alignment on when we can do it.
	Alignment on the resources it takes to accomplish it.
8.	Committees/Work Teams that Contribute Meaningful Work
	Pledge for clarity on what a work team should do.
	Clarity on the authority to get the work done.
	Resources to get the work done.
	Nimble committee/work team structure to accomplish the work.
9.	“Think Big” Leads to Do Big
	Appropriate level of risk-taking to think and do big.
10.	Strategy, Generative Discussions and More Strategy
	First half of each board meeting focused on strategy and generative discussion.
	First half of each board meeting has no reports, updates or operational issues.
11.	No Dysfunctional Harmony
	High quality decisions.
	Managed, thoughtful, respectful conflict.
12.	Culture, Candor and Curiosity
	Mindful board culture of candor, curiosity, inquiry that builds trust.
	Assumption of good intent in all volunteer and staff leaders.