| We’ve been reflecting on the critical role of the Board in creating impact. It’s been top of mind, as we’ve just delivered our annual sessions as part of The Observership Program, which pairs potential social sector Directors with a non-profit or Government appointed board to give them real-world experience. For 12 months, the Observer attends all board and committee meetings as a non-voting member. In addition, participants attend curated workshops, like the session we’ve just run about the role that personal purpose plays in governance as well as theory of change.
Our workshop draws on the multi-layered work that we do with Boards – from strategy to Board Reviews, and Board team development. One area that’s less common in the sector, but which models a new generation of governance accountability, is 360 reviews of Board Directors. There is a real and important link between these Director Reviews, and the topic of ‘purpose’ that we explore with the Observers.
Most social purpose Chairs and Directors aren’t ready to participate in a 360 review of their performance. Doing the self reflection work however is key. As we saw with our work with The Observership Program, this next generation of Directors resonate deeply with the messages of personal accountability, rigor around boundaries, and a deeper and nuanced understanding of their own personal purpose, and that of the organisation’s they serve. If you are a Board or Director on a path to improved performance and governance, we’d love to hear from you. |
