Building a more knowledgeable, action-oriented board.

Situation
A large and growing association focused on the alternative medicine profession was faced with the need to focus its attention on increasing its penetration within potential markets. The challenge: both member and staff leadership identified the problem as a board paralyzed by lack of knowledge about effective practices. Why? The members of the association — and therefore the membership of the board—were individual professionals with entrepreneurial practices who had no experience serving on a board or thinking strategically. Each member of the board chaired a standing committee that became a topical constituency, further pluralizing and fragmenting the board’s thinking. What’s more, significant staff resources were being consumed through administrative support to large numbers of these non-productive standing committees.

TC Solution
First, several conference calls were held with the staff and member leaders who were champions of the initiative for the purpose of better understanding the context and history of the situation, and defining objectives and a plan of action. The next step was a retreat-like, problem-solving event with the board dedicated to addressing and examining issues related to board structure and behavior.

Results
One of the key results to come out of the retreat was a decision that board members would no longer chair committees. By choosing this path, board members were freed both individually and as a body — to turn their attention to issues of strategic importance. In this case, the board did not need to restructure itself or change its composition but, instead, altered its role.

To learn more about how Tecker Consultants can help your organization,
contact us at 215.493.8120.