Board Governance,
Strategic Planning,
 & Board Retreats
   (in a perfect world)



      www.dowellstute.com
Section 1
            Policy Governance

We can’t talk about strategic planning until we understand
                  the role of the board.
Policy Governance Overview
“Boards That Make a Difference: A New Design for Leadership
  in Nonprofit and Public Organizations”
  By John Carver




Board Governance
In a perfect world
Policy Governance Overview
“The board governs… the staff manages”
Leadership: Volunteer leaders are responsible for the direction of the
   organization. The board governs, develops policy, and sets a course for the
   future. Maintain focus on the mission and strategic goals – avoid micro-
   managing the organization and staff.
   4 Functions
   • Governance
   • Policy & Position Development
   • Visionary – Future Focus
   • Fiduciary


Board Governance
In a perfect world
Policy Governance Overview
“The board governs… the staff manages”

Management: Paid staff and contractors are responsible for the
  administration of the organization. Staff act as partners to the
  board, advancing the goals and strategies, while taking care of the
  daily administrative needs unique to organizations.




Board Governance
In a perfect world
Policy Governance Overview
Policy Governance separates issues of organization
  purpose (ENDS) from all other organization issues
  (MEANS), placing primary importance on those Ends.

Policy Governance boards demand accomplishment of
  purpose, and only limit the staff’s available means to
  those which do not violate the board’s pre-stated
  standards of prudence and ethics.


Board Governance
In a perfect world
Policy Governance Overview
The Policy Governance Model enables boards to:

  • Focus on the larger issues
  • Delegate with clarity
  • Control management’s job without meddling
  • Rigorously evaluate the accomplishment of the
    organization
  • Truly lead!


Board Governance
In a perfect world
Section 2
           Strategic Planning

It’s hard to know what to focus on unless you’re working
                    toward a goal.
Strategic Planning 101
• Everything the organization does flows from its strategic
 vision
• Strategic planning determines where an organization is
 going over the next year or more and how it’s going to
 get there.




Strategic Planning
In a perfect world
Importance of Mission/Vision
Mission: Statement indicating why we’re in business

  • Disney 1: The mission of The Walt Disney Company is to be
     one of the world's leading producers and providers of
     entertainment and information. Using our portfolio of brands to
     differentiate our content, services and consumer products, we seek
     to develop the most creative, innovative and profitable
     entertainment experiences and related products in the world.

  • Disney 2: To make people happy



Strategic Planning
In a perfect world
Importance of Mission/Vision
Vision: Vision statements answer questions like: What do we want to
 be in the future? What are the ideal circumstances we want to operate
 under?

  •   Microsoft: A personal computer in every home running Microsoft software

  •   Coca-Cola: To achieve sustainable growth, we have established a vision with clear goals.
      Profit: Maximizing return to share owners while being mindful of our overall
      responsibilities.
      People: Being a great place to work where people are inspired to be the best they can be.
      Portfolio: Bringing to the world a portfolio of beverage brands that anticipate and satisfy
      people; desires and needs.
      Partners: Nurturing a winning network of partners and building mutual loyalty.
      Planet: Being a responsible global citizen that makes a difference.



Strategic Planning
In a perfect world
Value Statements
Like any organization, your Chamber needs to stand for certain things.
 The collective beliefs and values are important, and chambers should
 measure their current and prospective activities against them.
Examples:
• First and foremost, we are a customer-driven organization
• In order to be successful as an organization, the Chamber industry must
 be successful in and of itself.
• Growth is a key indicator of the success of the organization.



Strategic Planning
In a perfect world
Value Statements
Examples (cont.):
• It is our responsibility to look toward the future and to provide
 visionary leadership.
• Solutions within the community are better developed through
 opportunities created by market-driven sectors, then through
 government mandates.
• Risk-taking and entrepreneurism should be encouraged and rewarded
• We believe individuals in the business community should be actively
 involved in the political process.



Strategic Planning
In a perfect world
Strategic Planning steps are similar regardless of
 who facilitates the process…




                     Development           Decision
   Discovery




Strategic Planning
In a perfect world
Research phase. The outcome of this
                phase is a work plan that translates
   Discovery
                your strategic planning goals into key
                questions, activities, and milestones..
                •Focus groups
                •Survey Work
                •In-depth interviews
                •SWOT
                •Review industry trends


Strategic Planning
In a perfect world
Discovery




Strategic Planning
In a perfect world
Discovery




Strategic Planning
In a perfect world
Discussion phase. Go through a process that
            engages leadership in discussion of the
Development
            organization’s future based on the information
            obtained in the Discovery Phase.

                •Revisit mission, vision, and values
                •Identify factors critical to success
                •Prioritize key strategies




Strategic Planning
In a perfect world
Put it on paper. Prepare a written draft strategic
Decision      plan and summary reflecting the work completed in
              the Development Phase. The organization’s role
              during this phase is to ensure that the plan is
              realistic given the capacity of the organization and
              its resources.

              • Organize goals, strategies, tactics, resources, and
              accountability




Strategic Planning
In a perfect world
Strategy vs. Tactic
• Strategy: A plan of action designed to achieve a goal; an idea
   • Example: “Build the company’s brand”

• Tactic: An action you take to execute the strategy
   • Example: “Hire a celebrity to endorse our product”




Strategic Planning
In a perfect world
Strategic Goal: Grow Jobs + Attract Investment
The Chamber’s top priority is to create jobs and attract investment for the community. This requires
the Chamber to effectively lead select economic development initiatives and partner with the Economic
Development Foundation.

   Strategies                   Tactics                    Resources              Timeline          Accountabil
                                                            Needed                                      ity
                      The Chamber will develop an
Chamber is the                                          Volunteers, preferably Start meetings by      Executive
                        Economic Development
private sector                                           with ED experience     February 2013          Director
                             Committee
leader on
economic                 Clarify Chamber’s role in                                Have signed
                                                          Executive Director                          Executive
development for        economic development with                                 agreement by
                                                            work with EDF                              Director
the region,             leaders of the Foundation                                January 2011
partnering with
the Foundation       Invest in building the Chamber’s
                                                         Time to accumulate     Plan of action by     Executive
to accomplish        capacity to implement economic
                                                            data, budget          March 2013         Committee
regional goals.           development activities

                 Explore existing resources in the Those with knowledge
Chamber supports community and determine what                                   Delegate to ED
                                                        in business                                 ED committee
innovation and                                                                   committee
                            is needed                  development
new business
                     Develop programs for members
development for                                         Local business people   Delegate to ED
                     and non-members on business                                                    ED committee
the region.                                                with expertise        committee
                                 skills
Common Pitfalls
• Organizations get hung up on the tactics, miss the big picture

• No structure for accountability to manage plan implementation

• No check-ins to update strategic plan as major shifts in external or
 internal environment occur




Strategic Planning
In a perfect world
Section 3
    Board Retreats

 Do more with your annual check-in
Board Retreats 101
• Annual retreats most often focus on operations, or annual
 business planning


• Should be used to build off of and update strategic vision

• Address tactical concerns



Board Retreats
In a perfect world
Sample Board Retreat Agenda Items
• Board survey/evaluation     • Mission/Vision check-in
• Keep, kill, edit programs   • Membership Satisfaction
• SWOT exercise                Survey (MACE model)
• Program evaluations         • Strategic plan
• Team building activities     review/update
                              • Board roles and
                               responsibilities



Board Retreats
In a perfect world
Sample Board Evaluation Results
 Question                                                                              Score
 The Board and management understand and respect each other's roles                       4.7
 Board meetings allow for candid and constructive discussion                              4.6
 I feel comfortable asking critical questions at Board meetings                           4.6
 We make decisions based on what's best for The Chamber                                   4.6
 We have a shared vision                                                                  4.6
 We debate issues without getting personal                                                4.6
 I understand my role as a Board member                                                   4.6
 The organization has the appropriate number of board committees in place                 4.2
 The Board plays an effective role in the strategic planning process and the
 implementation of the tree-year plan                                                     4.1
 The Board has established appropriate and clear benchmarks to measure the strategic
 objectives                                                                               4.1



Board Retreats
In a perfect world
Recap
   Role of the Board              Strategic
      Policy Governance              Plan



                      Annual
                     Check-ins/
                      Retreats


Organizational Planning
In a perfect world
thank you

  ww.dowellstute.com

Board Governance, Strategic Planning, and Board Retreats (in a perfect world)

  • 1.
    Board Governance, Strategic Planning, & Board Retreats (in a perfect world) www.dowellstute.com
  • 2.
    Section 1 Policy Governance We can’t talk about strategic planning until we understand the role of the board.
  • 3.
    Policy Governance Overview “BoardsThat Make a Difference: A New Design for Leadership in Nonprofit and Public Organizations” By John Carver Board Governance In a perfect world
  • 4.
    Policy Governance Overview “Theboard governs… the staff manages” Leadership: Volunteer leaders are responsible for the direction of the organization. The board governs, develops policy, and sets a course for the future. Maintain focus on the mission and strategic goals – avoid micro- managing the organization and staff. 4 Functions • Governance • Policy & Position Development • Visionary – Future Focus • Fiduciary Board Governance In a perfect world
  • 5.
    Policy Governance Overview “Theboard governs… the staff manages” Management: Paid staff and contractors are responsible for the administration of the organization. Staff act as partners to the board, advancing the goals and strategies, while taking care of the daily administrative needs unique to organizations. Board Governance In a perfect world
  • 6.
    Policy Governance Overview PolicyGovernance separates issues of organization purpose (ENDS) from all other organization issues (MEANS), placing primary importance on those Ends. Policy Governance boards demand accomplishment of purpose, and only limit the staff’s available means to those which do not violate the board’s pre-stated standards of prudence and ethics. Board Governance In a perfect world
  • 7.
    Policy Governance Overview ThePolicy Governance Model enables boards to: • Focus on the larger issues • Delegate with clarity • Control management’s job without meddling • Rigorously evaluate the accomplishment of the organization • Truly lead! Board Governance In a perfect world
  • 8.
    Section 2 Strategic Planning It’s hard to know what to focus on unless you’re working toward a goal.
  • 9.
    Strategic Planning 101 •Everything the organization does flows from its strategic vision • Strategic planning determines where an organization is going over the next year or more and how it’s going to get there. Strategic Planning In a perfect world
  • 10.
    Importance of Mission/Vision Mission:Statement indicating why we’re in business • Disney 1: The mission of The Walt Disney Company is to be one of the world's leading producers and providers of entertainment and information. Using our portfolio of brands to differentiate our content, services and consumer products, we seek to develop the most creative, innovative and profitable entertainment experiences and related products in the world. • Disney 2: To make people happy Strategic Planning In a perfect world
  • 11.
    Importance of Mission/Vision Vision:Vision statements answer questions like: What do we want to be in the future? What are the ideal circumstances we want to operate under? • Microsoft: A personal computer in every home running Microsoft software • Coca-Cola: To achieve sustainable growth, we have established a vision with clear goals. Profit: Maximizing return to share owners while being mindful of our overall responsibilities. People: Being a great place to work where people are inspired to be the best they can be. Portfolio: Bringing to the world a portfolio of beverage brands that anticipate and satisfy people; desires and needs. Partners: Nurturing a winning network of partners and building mutual loyalty. Planet: Being a responsible global citizen that makes a difference. Strategic Planning In a perfect world
  • 12.
    Value Statements Like anyorganization, your Chamber needs to stand for certain things. The collective beliefs and values are important, and chambers should measure their current and prospective activities against them. Examples: • First and foremost, we are a customer-driven organization • In order to be successful as an organization, the Chamber industry must be successful in and of itself. • Growth is a key indicator of the success of the organization. Strategic Planning In a perfect world
  • 13.
    Value Statements Examples (cont.): •It is our responsibility to look toward the future and to provide visionary leadership. • Solutions within the community are better developed through opportunities created by market-driven sectors, then through government mandates. • Risk-taking and entrepreneurism should be encouraged and rewarded • We believe individuals in the business community should be actively involved in the political process. Strategic Planning In a perfect world
  • 14.
    Strategic Planning stepsare similar regardless of who facilitates the process… Development Decision Discovery Strategic Planning In a perfect world
  • 15.
    Research phase. Theoutcome of this phase is a work plan that translates Discovery your strategic planning goals into key questions, activities, and milestones.. •Focus groups •Survey Work •In-depth interviews •SWOT •Review industry trends Strategic Planning In a perfect world
  • 16.
  • 17.
  • 18.
    Discussion phase. Gothrough a process that engages leadership in discussion of the Development organization’s future based on the information obtained in the Discovery Phase. •Revisit mission, vision, and values •Identify factors critical to success •Prioritize key strategies Strategic Planning In a perfect world
  • 19.
    Put it onpaper. Prepare a written draft strategic Decision plan and summary reflecting the work completed in the Development Phase. The organization’s role during this phase is to ensure that the plan is realistic given the capacity of the organization and its resources. • Organize goals, strategies, tactics, resources, and accountability Strategic Planning In a perfect world
  • 20.
    Strategy vs. Tactic •Strategy: A plan of action designed to achieve a goal; an idea • Example: “Build the company’s brand” • Tactic: An action you take to execute the strategy • Example: “Hire a celebrity to endorse our product” Strategic Planning In a perfect world
  • 21.
    Strategic Goal: GrowJobs + Attract Investment The Chamber’s top priority is to create jobs and attract investment for the community. This requires the Chamber to effectively lead select economic development initiatives and partner with the Economic Development Foundation. Strategies Tactics Resources Timeline Accountabil Needed ity The Chamber will develop an Chamber is the Volunteers, preferably Start meetings by Executive Economic Development private sector with ED experience February 2013 Director Committee leader on economic Clarify Chamber’s role in Have signed Executive Director Executive development for economic development with agreement by work with EDF Director the region, leaders of the Foundation January 2011 partnering with the Foundation Invest in building the Chamber’s Time to accumulate Plan of action by Executive to accomplish capacity to implement economic data, budget March 2013 Committee regional goals. development activities Explore existing resources in the Those with knowledge Chamber supports community and determine what Delegate to ED in business ED committee innovation and committee is needed development new business Develop programs for members development for Local business people Delegate to ED and non-members on business ED committee the region. with expertise committee skills
  • 22.
    Common Pitfalls • Organizationsget hung up on the tactics, miss the big picture • No structure for accountability to manage plan implementation • No check-ins to update strategic plan as major shifts in external or internal environment occur Strategic Planning In a perfect world
  • 23.
    Section 3 Board Retreats Do more with your annual check-in
  • 24.
    Board Retreats 101 •Annual retreats most often focus on operations, or annual business planning • Should be used to build off of and update strategic vision • Address tactical concerns Board Retreats In a perfect world
  • 25.
    Sample Board RetreatAgenda Items • Board survey/evaluation • Mission/Vision check-in • Keep, kill, edit programs • Membership Satisfaction • SWOT exercise Survey (MACE model) • Program evaluations • Strategic plan • Team building activities review/update • Board roles and responsibilities Board Retreats In a perfect world
  • 26.
    Sample Board EvaluationResults Question Score The Board and management understand and respect each other's roles 4.7 Board meetings allow for candid and constructive discussion 4.6 I feel comfortable asking critical questions at Board meetings 4.6 We make decisions based on what's best for The Chamber 4.6 We have a shared vision 4.6 We debate issues without getting personal 4.6 I understand my role as a Board member 4.6 The organization has the appropriate number of board committees in place 4.2 The Board plays an effective role in the strategic planning process and the implementation of the tree-year plan 4.1 The Board has established appropriate and clear benchmarks to measure the strategic objectives 4.1 Board Retreats In a perfect world
  • 27.
    Recap Role of the Board Strategic Policy Governance Plan Annual Check-ins/ Retreats Organizational Planning In a perfect world
  • 28.
    thank you ww.dowellstute.com