In my work with boards, I overhear a few themes, over and over again. Tak a look at this list. Does it sound familiar? Any surprises? Anything missing?

The 5 Complaints Boards Whisper About (but rarely say out loud):

1️⃣ Meetings that waste time.

2️⃣ A few people doing all the work.

3️⃣ Lack of clarity—what’s staff vs. what’s board?

4️⃣ Fundraising pressure without support.

5️⃣ No feedback or review—ever.

In this session, we will explore the importance of conducting performance reviews for board members and the executive leadership. How can evaluation help with gaps like these? The system is speaking. It's telling us something about the true state of a board's culture and its values. (And in most cases, most everyone who is paying attnetion, already knows what the system is saying).

How can you change things for the better? The essence: An honest, constructive conversation changes the world. A Board review is one of the best gifts a board can give the mission, the staff, the benificiaries of their work and itself.

During a performance review, board members have the opportunity to reflect on their individual contributions, receive feedback on their performance and identify areas for growth and development. We ask together:

• How do we review the executive?
• How do we review the chair?
• How do we review ourselves as directors?

Key Session Concepts:

• You get what you inspect, not what you expect.
• Low accountability is a feature of the board's design - A board is getting exactly what is is design to get.
• Key components of a successful performance review process -- Annual Affirmation, Annual Review and an Annual Calendar in Between