Effectiveness of management at the board level is an important element of good governance for boards. The effectiveness of a board depends on multiple aspects, including composition (the appropriate balance of abilities and experience) efficient meeting and a openness of communication culture and the ability to engage in real conversations, even the most difficult ones. The more effective a Board’s performance and the more efficient it is to determine strategic direction and test the performance of an organization.
Self-assessment for board members every year ranges from a simple director questionnaire to an elaborate interviewing process, usually carried out by a third party which can provide insight into the dynamics of the board as well as overall level of board maturity. These assessments can help boards to determine how they are performing against the best practices and create plans of action in areas that require improvement.
A key element to getting board management effectiveness is establishing a culture of collaboration that allows directors to see themselves as collaborators, not as adversaries. This can be promoted through training for board development and by encouraging a regular refresher of the board, such as a willingness to reconsider mandatory retirement schedules and time limits.
Another method to increase efficiency between meetings is to allowing directors to access and share information with one another via dedicated communication tools like discussion boards and remote voting. This will reduce the need to have lengthy meetings in person and also ensure that all actions and tasks are completed within the timeframes set by the board. This means that board members spend less time in administrative tasks and spend more time driving forward with the process of change.