Self-Assessment
How can a board maximize the effectiveness of the self-assessment process?
- Demonstrate top-level support from board leadership, especially the chairperson and CEO.
- Motivate trustees with the understanding that self-assessment results in improved board performance.
- Adopt a governance model or framework as a standard for assessment. It is impossible to effectively assess any activity without a standard.
- Design the questionnaire around the board's governance model and governance practices recommended by respected experts. The instrument should be straight-forward and easy to answer.
- Avoid "feel-good" retreats. Good self-assessment retreats are learning laboratories in which discussion breeds deepened knowledge and renewed commitment. Distributing articles by governance experts and engaging a skilled facilitator can help inform and energize a retreat.
- Make the process action-oriented. Develop a written, post-retreat action plan and assign a governance committee to oversee implementation.
For more information, see the August 2001 issue of the GREAT BOARDS newsletter.
How often should a board conduct a self-assessment?
A board self-assessment generally should be done every two to three years. Self-assessment is a powerful tool for board learning and results in improved board effectiveness that in turn enhances organizational performance.
added/updated: 3/24/2004
topic(s):
Self-AssessmentThis information comes from GreatBoards.org, the online resource for effective governance.
return to topHow should a board evaluate itself?
The most common approach is to have every member complete a questionnaire. The survey asks trustees to evaluate the board's effectiveness in performing its roles and responsibilities. It also assesses satisfaction with the board's size and structure, its method of selecting new trustees, the information and education available to members and the conduct of meetings.
The most important part of self-evaluation isn't completing the questionnaire and distributing the results. It's devoting a retreat or special board meeting to discussing the results and adopting a plan for continuous improvement. A facilitator can help make a self-evaluation retreat more productive.
added/updated: 1/1/2003
topic(s):
Self-AssessmentThis information comes from GreatBoards.org, the online resource for effective governance.
return to topWhat does a governance committee do?
The Governance Committee is generally responsible for overseeing and making recommendations to the board with regard to:
- Bylaws review and revisions
- Board nominations
- Succession planning for the Board Chair and other board leaders
- Board education and new trustee orientation
- Board self-evaluation
What should a board evaluation process include?
A periodic self assessment may include:
* Evaluation of the full board's performance against recommended practices
* Evaluation of the board chair
* Evaluation of committees
* Evaluation after each board meeting of the meeting process
* Evaluation and feedback to individual directors.
added/updated: 11/14/2006
topic(s):
Self-AssessmentThis information comes from GreatBoards.org, the online resource for effective governance.
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