Yes, it is that time of year when it is OK to look up from the grindstone to consider the road ahead   toward a more successful future for the organizations that we steward.  Re-inventing our roles and taking responsibility for outcomes are constant themes but isn’t there a better place to start in looking forward?  Well, there is no better built-in mechanism than a review of the recent past.  Yes, this is that other theme that we can’t avoid at BoardTech:  assessment.  Relax, it could be worse.  You could be scolded for not conducting your formal annual board self-assessment or even inadequate investment in full blown program evaluation! 

So you want your board to do better and help the organization to move forward faster but want a comfortable place to start.  Why not look at the plans, goals, priorities that are in place, especially adopted this last year.  You don’t have to gather any data or consult senior staff, just calmly reflect on these established bits of guidance. Gently ask yourself:  what is working and what is not.  First, go back to what seems to be working, where goals are largely being met.  Of course there are at least a few of these.  CONGRATULATIONS. Have an extra sip of champagne (so to speak) on New Year’s Eve and ask a colleague (or a dear friend) for a sweet hug.

 Second, look at the pile of things not working as well as planned.  Cheer up, now you know what to work on next year.  No needless anxiety over uncertainty here.   Can you and your colleagues perhaps set some more realistic expectations about these goals by either adjusting the strategy to get there (do something different and you may even get a different result, they say) or lower the bar so that you can actually succeed?  Third, just because you are thinking about the future, you get another sip of champagne and another hug because you have already taken a step towards progress and the New Year hasn’t even begun.  Enjoy that warm inner glow from knowing that you are already a winner!  Don’t sweat the details of how you and your board and staff colleagues will actually get there.  That’s what January board and committee meetings are all about!  HAPPY NEW YEAR

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3.22 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."