by Colin | Nov 5, 2020 | Uncategorized
One of the first requirements for an effective Board is to have a workplan for the coming year. The strategic plan outlines what the organization seeks to accomplish, but generally does not indicate the Board’s particular initiatives. It must determine the specifics...
by Colin Sauer | Oct 13, 2020 | Board Governance, Leadership, Not for Profit
In your organization, do any of the following situations apply, • Do board members also provide paid services to the organization?• Does the Executive Director have a personal relationship (marriage/common law) with staff, or board members?• Does the organization...
by Colin Sauer | Sep 8, 2020 | Board Governance, Leadership, Not for Profit
I recently had a conversation with a staff member of a ‘not for profit’ organization here on Vancouver Island. She is in charge of fundraising for her organization and she was expressing to me the obvious challenges they’re facing trying to raise desperately needed...
by Colin | Aug 31, 2020 | Board Governance, Leadership, Not for Profit, People
Succession planning means more than just ensuring a strong, healthy board membership. One important aspect of succession planning is ensuring that the leadership of the board most commonly known as the Executive or board officers, has the talent and capability...
by Colin | Aug 25, 2020 | Board Governance, Leadership, Not for Profit
Succession planning is a responsibility that receives far too little attention from most boards. Yet the future success and effectiveness of a board can be increased considerably by a well thought out succession plan. Why should we have a succession plan? The...
by Colin | Aug 19, 2020 | Board Governance, Leadership, Not for Profit
One area of concern for many boards, especially when they are recruiting candidates for director positions is the composition the board. Some want to ensure that they have a lawyer and accountant on the board and others are totally opposed. Opinion is divided on the...
by Colin | Aug 10, 2020 | Board Governance, Not for Profit
We are frequently asked ‘How many directors do we need to have on our board’? The board only needs 3-4 directors to do the actual work of governing (setting the direction for the organization, developing policies, overseeing & monitoring organizational...
by Colin | Jul 28, 2020 | Board Governance, Leadership, Not for Profit
The Chair’s role and responsibilities do not change during a crisis like the current pandemic. The essential role of the Chair generally, and in a crisis, is to manage the board and its work and ensure that the board continues to govern. This is a time when some board...
by Colin Sauer | Jun 24, 2020 | Leadership
I hear the word “pivot” a lot lately. It seems like everyone is pivoting or they think they should consider pivoting. It seems like it’s the new business buzz word during this pandemic, but I’m not sure I completely understand what it is meant to describe. If I look...
by Colin Sauer | Feb 18, 2020 | Leadership
Over the past few years, I’ve had the very good fortune to work for, and consult to, some great organizations in both business and the not for profit sector. Some of these organizations are very large, global and market leading, and some are very small, local, and...
