Have you ever attended a tedious board meeting, witnessed a board of directors delving into operational details, or been frustrated by an organization's lack of focus? Do you think that boards should represent the interests of owners, that staff should have the freedom to achieve results, and that board members' time is valuable?
If so, we want you to know about an operating system for boards called Policy Governance®, which has revolutionized the way we think and talk about boards. What makes Policy Governance so unique is the way it distinguishes between the job of the board, and the job of the CEO, management or staff.
The use of Policy Governance principles also maximizes a board's ability to be accountable for everything that happens in an organization, and maximizes staff freedom to get the job done at the same time. Most importantly, it creates alignment between what the moral or legal owners of the organization want, and what the organization actually achieves. Imagine if all companies and organizations actually fullfilled on this promise!
We call this promise "owner-accountable, effective governance." In a nutshell, that means boards that deliver, and organizations that achieve what they should. Designed by Dr. John Carver in 1976, Policy Governance is used by profit, non-profit and public sector boards of directors around the world. School boards, airport authorities, credit unions, private corporations, faith-based organizations, trade associations -- you name it, this system can work for you.
Conversations with Dr. John Carver and Miriam Carver (Part 6 of 12). Q: Boards are usually comprised of very intelligent, well-intentioned, well-rounded people. Why then are so many boards dysfunctional?
Comments by Paul Ogborne, Principal, Pickering Christian School, about the benefits of using Policy Governance.
