Board Decisions (cont'd)

Having set a small group to work, a group that really can do deliberative thinking because they have the kind of time and assignment that gets them past the psycho-dynamics that normally impede deliberative thought, let’s go to step #4.

4. Small group recommends action. They look at the problem or issue from all sides, getting input from individual Board members they know will have a point of view. Looking at what other organizations do or have done with the same problem. They examine a variety of possible solutions, and, with that, a series of outcomes that will result from each of the possible solutions. And my thought is that it is only at this point that they can choose one of those possible solutions to recommend for Board action and implementation. You’ve got to know the field well before you can really understand which solution will work best for this organization at this time and in these particular circumstances.

It can’t be a solution based on anecdotal evidence. It can’t be a solution based on hearsay and opinion. This type of thing is typically what is going to be heard in a full-board discussion. People working in larger groups do only two things well: they can brainstorm and they can tell stories. But they can’t do deliberative thought. So they brainstorm, and, in so doing, they’re going to give you what’s on the top of their head that moment, on that day. The stories, the anecdotal evidence, and “I’ve heard that...” and so forth. But that’s just a start, just a suggestion of a direction. It’s not the basis for a good decision. So that’s why the small group is so necessary. It gets down below that superficial level and ferrets out the facts, the alternatives, then makes a solid, workable recommendation that we know in advance will meet the needs of everyone involved.

5. Executive and small group work individually with each Board member in advance. Even though we’ve had Board input on this through the small group, we still want to be sure we have everyone’s buy-in on the recommendation coming from that small group BEFORE we get to the Board meeting. Why? Because it’s important that the needs, wants and values of each particular individual board member be met by the final action the Board produces. Why? Because that keeps the Board working together, it supports governance, avoids divisions and ensures consensus.

6. Bring the issue to the Board with full documentation passed out in advance and only when we know in advance that all members can support the action. No surprises, right? Board chair and executive working hand-in-hand; small group gets input from Board members as part of its process; small group and Executive “shop” the proposed solution around the board informally to get input and make sure all needs, wants and values are heard and taken into consideration; then the decision and its documentation is published to the Board members in advance of their action meeting. The item is clearly on the agenda; it gets introduced thoroughly at Board meeting. The Board chair explains where this has been, what’s going on, what’s needed, calls for a motion, entertains “last minute” questions for clarification only, and then takes the vote.

I think the most essential work is going to be done OUTSIDE the Board meeting, but in a way that involves Board members and takes seriously their opinions, points of view, stories, prejudices, experiences and all the input they have to give, and then focuses that input on a deliberately thought out solution that has the best interests of the institution at heart and is workable given the strategic plan, the resources, the personnel and the situation at hand. Here’s where the payoff is that compensates the organization for the fact that the whole Board would be incapable of doing the deliberative thought that would bring about this quality of decision-making.

Here is a high-quality decision that I think will work, that will have participation and buy-in from all concerned, and one that will have good results for the organization.

Now, I promise that tomorrow we’re going to get over to Example #2 – that’s where the Board is considering an investment of resources in fundraising infrastructure. Tricky question, right? And you know it will come only at BUDGET TIME! Thoroughly confusing the issue.