News & Views

A committee is simply a group that can carry out tasks on behalf of the full Board.  A committee is often a subgroup of the Board itself, but it can also include non-Board members such as outside experts or even volunteers.    Read more >>

Tuesday, July 20, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

 

by Valyrie Laedlein-A search on the internet on the topic of succession planning yields considerable guidance and commentary for and from the corporate sector.  Just this week, Forbes.com ran a story on the Chief Information Officer for Equinix, who has been with the company since 2008 and is already preparing his successor, even though the CIO has no intention of leaving anytime soon.  Raising questions related to who will follow the CEO, the COO, the CIO or any other company’s leader is not considered impolitic in that sector.  Indeed, it is expected and seen as exercising good business judgment.  Grooming rising talent for executive positions is not disrespectful of those currently holding those positions.  Failing to do so is considered irresponsible and short-sighted.  Read more >>

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

 

 by Valyrie Laedlein - I spend a fair amount of my time working with nonprofit Executive Directors (ED) and Boards on workplans intended to make change happen within the Board of Directors.  Much has been written on leading a change effort and managing change, but something I came across today made great sense in the context of some recent client challenges.  Read more >>

Thursday, May 27, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

 

by Mohan Sikka - Executive Directors frequently tell me that they are dissatisfied with the performance of their boards.  Read more >>

Wednesday, May 19, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

 

by Valyrie Laedlein

Have I got a job for you?

Role:To lead a group of under-available, over-committed volunteers responsible  Read more >>

Friday, April 23, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

 

 By Valyrie Laedlein - In any setting, what is it that compels hard work, extension of self, high performance, commitment of time?   Read more >>

Monday, March 08, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

 

by Valyrie Laedlein - How much time do those of us on executive teams spend preparing reports, summaries, “Board Books,” and Power Point presentations for our Board of Directors meetings?  Read more >>

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

 

by Valyrie Laedlein - The Board of Directors.  Mention the phrase to many Executive Directors, and you’ll get rolling eyes, a sigh, a weary shaking of the head, sometimes an earful.  It’s the rare nonprofit executive who will respond with an enthusiastic assessment of his or her Board.

What is it about Boards that makes them such hard-to-develop, low-yield assets?  Read more >>

Tuesday, February 09, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink