Stored in this Portal

“Can you help me convince my board that orientation is important?” It’s a frequent question from executive directors asking for assistance to improve governance; they are pitted against a board that calls orientation “a waste of time.”

After many board meetings I hear the staff say, “they loaded me up with all sorts of new projects.” One way to ease the volunteers from unloading on staff is to educate leaders about their roles and responsibilities, strategic goals, resources and committees.

most organizations conduct board orientation periodically. The audience, delivery content, and frequency vary broadly. There is even difference as to whether the process is exclusively for new leaders or should it include the entire board.

Boards often scoff at the idea of an annual leadership orientation. They say, “We had a good one three years ago,” or “there are only 2 new members on the board – we’ll do something for them next year.”