Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byBethanie Lawson Modified over 9 years ago
1
Board Retreat Discussion and Review Non Profit Board Retreat Review and Discussion April 5, 2011 9:30 AM- 11:30 AM Diana A. Bing 4/5/2011
2
Successful Meetings Have you ever been a part of a successful meeting? Have you ever been a part of an unsuccessful meeting? What are the characteristics of a successful meeting? So, if you know what’s needed, why do you stay in meetings that are not being effective? The real key characteristic of effective meetings is when the stakeholders 1) Know the rule(s) and 2) have permission to call you out on them. It’s the context of agreement, not the right list that makes the meeting effective.
3
Topics for Today Overview & Assessment Preparation Facilitation Concepts Completion Package
4
OVERVIEW & ASSESSMENTS
5
A Retreat Can: Bring out problems to be dealt with by the board and its members Enable the board to assess its capabilities and effectiveness Be the spark of strategic thinking for the board So the Board Chairman has to be our client
6
Client Requests “We need to be educated” “We want to understand Fund Raising or do a Strategic Plan” “We are having problems” Attendance Getting work done (commitments) Inter-member tensions Board-staff relationships
7
Assessing the Client’s Needs Ask: Why does client want a retreat? What are their important issues? What are their desired outcomes? Are the Board Chair and ED in agreement? Involved in all aspects of planning Is the whole board going to attend?
8
Assessing Board Capabilities How many members? Regular meetings? Attended by all? Active Committees? Meetings, reports, actions Variety of skills, abilities and contacts? Practices & procedures in place?
9
Self Assessment Tool An email survey of board members Done prior to retreat Members identify their issues Inform the retreat agenda Provides an opportunity for follow up discussions prior to retreat
10
Discussion and Tips Lessons Learned Tips of the Road
11
PREPARATION
12
Sample Agenda In Retreat Materials A “menu” of possible topics Includes Board operations and the first steps for a Strategic Plan Be creative!
13
Agenda Topics Each agenda is unique and flexible Structure around desired outcomes Take input from self assessment Use standard ESC materials or create custom ones Recognize need for formal and informal time – icebreaker; breaks Get client input and agreement
14
Consultant Roles For each section of the agenda: Which consultant leads? Who facilitates, who takes notes? What technique will you use? What issues might you encounter? Meet together!
15
Time Management Total time – Need to determine Estimate time for each section – include time for discussion Recognize that retreat is time for in-depth discussion of important issues Put actual times on agenda to help manage the clock Consider size of group Include breaks and lunch
16
Pre Retreat Communications 1. Make sure all participants understand retreat objectives 2. Send out: Agenda Self Assessment results Other pre-reading Logistics – directions, time, food 3. Confirm number of attendees and who they are
17
Materials and Set Up Power point projector and screen (or white wall) Copies of agenda and handouts Two easels with large paper pads Markers and masking tape Tent cards for names Conference tables in U shape
18
Discussion and Tips Lessons Learned Tips of the Road
19
FACILITATION
20
Facilitation Benefits Finding the right mix of task accomplishment and relationship building Getting the best use of the organization’s resources Strengthening group bonds and trust Building group confidence
21
Role of Facilitator Set expectations Organize the retreat Put participants at ease Encourage everyone to contribute Manage time Take notes
22
Role of Facilitator Attend to the process” Structure the discussion Ask good questions Talk less, listen more Give ownership to participants
23
Discussion and Tips Lessons Learned Tips of the Road
24
Concepts
25
Important Basics Duties Board and Individual Responsibilities Committees Recruiting Board - Staff relations
26
Goals and Key Outcomes Member Issues Board Effectiveness Mission discussion Vision: brainstorm for a while Prioritize “dreams”
27
Discussion and Tips Lessons Learned Tips of the Road
28
COMPLETION
29
The Last Steps At the retreat: Action steps Evaluations After the retreat: Final Report Client Follow Up
30
And Finally… Remember: everything we discussed here is in the manual. Seek advice from experienced ESC consultants You’re experienced consultants and facilitators Stay in touch with the nonprofit world.
31
Speaking of Advise from an Expert Additional Thoughts and Suggestions
32
THANKS!
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.