Robert C. Harris, CAE

The best tool for developing a great board, ideal for board orientation and leadership notebooks. $10 each for 10 or more plus s/h.

20-page workbook for board orientation - ok to adapt, save, share and translate. bob@rchcae.com

Order form for board tools, laminated guides, workbooks or email bob@rchcae.com with order, quantities and street address

Proven board table tools...from parliamentary procedures to committee guides.

PANDEMIC response in associations and chambers.

I-Version - 2020 For the incoming board president to "hit the ground running" with this 20+ page guide to building teams, identifying resources and setting goals. Recommended for every president elect or vice president 3 months before taking office.

Ten categories and 120 questions applicable to every nonprofit, exempt organization. Use to improve management and governance, check omissions and risks. bob@rchcae.com

Top 10 challenges (+ solutions) for boards, committees, policies and planning.

Overview of the responsibilities to which board members should focus attention. Guide for doing volunteer leader training.

100+ tips and facts the chief elected officer should consider as they take office.

Ways to improve board meetings and governance - a good handout and discussion with executive officers or include in the leadership manual. www.nonprofitcenter.com

What to ask before saying "YES" to accepting a seat on a board. www.nonprofitcenter.com

Template to ensure that every activity, event and service (responsibility) fits with the mission statement and strategic goals.

Sample agenda that includes mission, antitrust notice, conflict of interest notice, and alignnment of strategic plan goals with committee recommendations.

Before new volunteers say, "I have a proposal," new ideas should align with the association's mission, values, governing documents and strategic goals.

Example and tips for using a consent agenda.

Importance and elements of a CEO succession plan; creation of the document.

Short discussion on making a motion.

Various topics for non profit proficiency.

How associations are adapting for relevance.

Criteria for a high performing organization - from leadership to processes, from membership/customers to professional staff. Consider the state, regional and national Baldrige Award and a framework for any nonprofit.

Tips to Improve Board Engagement www.nonprofitcenter.com

What keeps the board on Track? The rails. They include mission, budget, strategic plan, policies....does the board stay within the rails?

Not all duties are derived from the bylaws and articles of incorporation. Most organizations have "cultural expectations" (you must serve as an ambassador, you should support the PAC, etc.) This form helps an organization identify the unspoken expectations to clarify for volunteer leaders.

Who's responsibility is it? A form to lead a discussion on whether the responsibility is the domain of board, committee or staff.

The back of my business card, "The board and staff work together to add value to and protect the organization by......"

BEFORE it goes on the agenda, lets figure how it relates to our mission, does it advance the strategic plan, do we have enough infomration, how will we measure success?

Developed for board-CEO workshops; several forms that ask what the board knows (and doesn't know) about the organization, mission, vision, policies, etc. Good to adapt for board orientation.

Describing board responsibilities with a form to be signed by volunteer leaders; multiple samples provided.

Guidelines, ground rules or decorum suggested for a board of directors.

AKA Leadership Development Committee - increasing the role of the usual Nominating Committee

Explaining the 3 legal duties of a board - Loyalty, Care and Obedience.

A packet of sample board evaluation forms; contributed by associations and chambers.

Quick survey for retiring board and committee volunteers.

A black and white two page form to communicate board roles and responsibilities. Checklist for orientation discussion.

Adopt a values statement for continuity in the principles that guide volunteer leaders and staff (i.e. tranparency, innovation, courage, community.)

Use these 5 questions to frame the start of every significant agenda items (Are we ready? Do we know the impact? How will we measure success?)

Sample board job descriptions - designed to insert in a leadership manual. Note: It is common need to communicate director roles and responsibilities.

Rotate the duty for evaluating the board meeting effective amongst directors. Print the form on the back of the meeting agenda. The message is: We want the best board possible.

Tips for taking clean, clear meeting minutes; for staff or the elected Secretary.

Preparing for the board meeting; create a list for consistent board meeting planning.

Use a filter (in the form of this board table bookmark) to be sure all aspects are considered before the board makes a motion or a committee makes a recommendation.

Board Orientation - FOCUS ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE and the appropriate messaging. bob@rchcae.com

PowerPoint slides (39) describing board roles and responsibilities intended to be customized. Adapt by adding logo, mission, org chart, goals, etc. Order the laminated Board Responsibilities Guide by emailing bob@rchcae.com $10 ea.

Agenda for a comprehensive orientation for the board of directors to improve outcomes and effectiveness.

Virtual board orientation - adapt this 20 page manual to develop your leadership.

What's expected of your board? Attendance, participation, member relations, advocacy? Develop your own guide to help the board understand their roles. bob@rchcae.com

Quiz to use at board orientation or prepare for orientation with a self paced analysis of governing terms.

Identify the desired characteristics for serving on your board (i.e. fund-raiser, experienced, innovative.) Multiple examples in matrix formats;Tool for the nominating committee.

An internal memo (from the board chair) describing the desired qualifications of volunteers to the nominating committee. Easy to adapt!

Discuss at board orientation or include in the leadership manual to generate discussion and learning. www.nonprofitcenter.com

Discuss at board orientation or include in the leadership manual to generate discussion and learning. www.nonprofitcenter.com

Board orientation covering 4 key areas in morning or afternoon session.

50 slides set up as a HANDOUT to guide a discussion on board duties, governing documents, committees, risk mgmt and goals.

Avoid the bad behavior of some directors (devil's advocate, personal agenda, etc) with this formatted guide to include in the board's leadership manual.

Self evaluation form for the board to consider their responsibilities and effectiveness. Often an annual process led by the board chair.

Four page form for the board to conduct their self evaluation.

Board meeting sign-in sheets; samples that communicate importance of confidentiality, conflicts, antitrust avoidance, etc.

Impacts on the size of the board - recognizing 15 is average.

Distinguishing the responsibilities of the board and the staff, elaboration and signature to commit to work diligently by all parties.

Graphic for describing board staff distinction in roles and relationship to the members; by Jack Schlegel, CAE. (With permission.)

Helping volunteers understand the unique language of exempt, nonprofit organizations.

Some smart practices successfully used by other boards.

Two page insert for board training and leadership manuals.

A means to gauge effectives of the board of directors. Great for annual board discussion on outcomes and performance.

SAMPLE volunteer leader commitment form - Word document for adaptation.

At orientation, do you ask the board to sign a conflict of interest and commitment form?

Questions every board member should consider as they accept a seat at the table.

12 changes to board structure

The mission statement is the base for creating an elevator speech, impact statement, member ROI, strategic plan.

Craft an agenda aligned with the goals in your strategic plan.

Considerations for the CEOs documented succession plan. (Be sure to rely on legal counsel, etc)

Communicating the responsibilities and time commitment of the executive officers.

Rationale and tools for board and director self-evaluation.

Tips for the president include: 1) mission drift, 2) governing docs, 3) strategic direction, 4) board orientation, 5) transparency, 6) authority (who speaks), 7) executive sessions, 8) maintaining focus, 9) president's message (turn it in on time!) and 10) policies.

Board behaviour problems? Who speaks for the organization? Lines of authority? Misrepresentations?

The BEST of Jan-July 2016 articles, board training tools, and checklists. OK to adapt, share, post. bob@rchcae.com

Explaining and enforcing confidentiality of the board (or committees).

1 pg form on which volunteers may disclose real or perceived conflicts related to consulting, membership, family, investment, etc. (WORD Doc 7-11)

Details to describe, report and process a conflict of interest.

COI policy sample...two page Word document for quick adaptation.

Board commitment to disclose conflicts of interest and respect confidentiality.

Purpose and implementation of the CONSENT AGENDA to expedite board business.

FAQ for implementing the use of a consent agenda to advance the board's agenda.

Communicate what is expected of the volunteer leaders through "Cultural Expectations" or "Rules of Engagement."

Mission Creep and Micromanagement Solutions

The kind of board member you are seeking; OK to adapt for an article asking volunteers to sign up. Identifies 12 desired traits.

Format for an effective dialog between the income board chair/president and the chief staff person - 15 questions to discuss; formatted so key issues are not overlooked.

A discussion and resources to identify what hat directors are wearing in their many roles. bob@rchcae.com

Tool, one-page, to guide new board members BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER the meetings.

A comparison of the chief elected officers role vs. directors' roles.

Diversity and Inclusion - sample policy.

Dues - thing of the past, customers, investors, member equity? What's the future hold for dues?

Thinking of endorsing a member benefit or offering an affinity program? A list of 20 questions to consider before the endorsement. More important since a 2010 FTC recommendation for organizations that endorse and hold themselves out as "experts."

Why are we talking about it at the board table if we cannot measure progress? Nearly everything can be measured. Ask: HOW WILL WE EVALUATE THE PROGRAM?

Two page insert for board training and leadership manuals.

Tips for developing and tapping future leaders.

Enhance board leadership manuals with these specially formatted inserts to improve understanding of topics such as group think, values, transparency, etc.

Governance flash card to test the knowledge of volunteers and leaders. Created in PPT. Print 2 up on card stock. bob@rchcae.com

Boards should operate at 50,000 feet - but its hard to maintain altitude.

Great boards don't just happen - 40 pages of resources.

Two page insert for board training and leadership manuals. www.nonprofitcenter.com

Governance kit compiled for improving board performance. OK to adapt, save, share. 60+ pages

20 ideas to consider for improved governance processes

Separating governance from management. The board is responsible for 1) strategy, 2) policy, and 3) oversight. The CEO is responsible for staffing, administration, safeguards, etc.

Two page insert for board training and leadership manuals.

Setting a policy for guests attending meetings of the board. Sample.

Part of the 2-page series in color (suggest front and back, card stock printing) GUIDE TO BETTER GOVERNANCE GUIDE TO BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES GUIDE TO COMMITTEES STRATEGIC PLANNING GUIDE

IRS recommendations for 501c3 organizations in a 2008 white paper.

Cheat Sheet - Two page guide to Meeting Rules of Order bob@rchcae.com

History of nonprofit organizatioins in the USA from 1776 to 2011.

Formatted for training and leadership manuals. How to transition from the VOLUNTEER JOB to an appreciated, effective VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE. BOB@RCHCAE.COM

TRANSPARENCY as a value of the board and staff to improve trust and operations.

Expect more from the annual board treat.

Design an agenda that yields results rather than simply listening to reports and updates.

A good read and suggestions. www.nonprofitcenter.com

Advice on assessing the organization before signing up as a volunteer. bob@rchcae.com

Process and examples for continuous improvement in nonprofit organizations. bob@rchcaecom 2015

Published article with tips to attract more volunteer leaders.

40-page book guiding the board during a pandemic - "the opportunity of a lifetime"

Creating a Board Book or Leadership Manual - sample table of contents.

15 tips to increase the flow of prospective volunteer leaders.

Distributed to each new volunteer to identify key info (spouse, preferences, emergency contact, ADA, etc)

Planning a review of legal documents, risks and compliance? Listing of documents to consider.

Board questions lead to governance improvements.

15 pg PDF - Management Model for Administration, Governance and Strategic Direction - An older resource but full of smart practices and examples.

The meeting was a disaster - read about it here. www.nonprofitcenter.com

A few tips on taking minutes - recognizing minutes are not a place for taking notes or a newsletter for the membership. BRIEF IS BETTER

Tips and templates for taking more effective meeting minutes. (Be sure to rely on legal counsel.)

Organizations try to fit too many thinks in their mission statement - its not a holiday turkey. Try making it impactful in less than 20 (or 15) words. bob@rchcae.com

A checklist for cleaning up governance. bob@rchcae.com

Joining a board of directors - ask strategic questions. WHAT TO ASK.

A discussion with NEW board members to improve understanding and confidence. [OK to adapt.] Good for a heart to heart with volunteers. bob@rchcae.com

Depicts flow chart process for nominations; comprehensive steps for a successful Nominating Committee. Useful for ADAPTING to your own organization. bob@rchcae.com

The progress of the nominations process; sample descriptions and forms for the Nominating Committee.

Candidate form to complete for consideration to be nominated. What information should you collect and keep on file about volunteers?

Multiple steps to ensure a successful, thorough nominating process.

Discussion paper for the Nominating Committee and nominee-board candidates.

Two page form for nominees to indicate their willingness serve; key questions, conflict, etc.

Evolution and adaptation of the association board - reflecting on the story of Oldsmobile and the Greatest Show on Earth

Duties of the executive officers.

How to be sure the board leaves with a united message to communicate to stakeholdes.

Sample organizational charts - an essential document for desribing information flow, hierarchy and communication protocols.

Planning a successful board orientation.

Everything in the organization can be measured and monitored for better outcomes.

Broad spectrum of performance measures applicable to associations and chambers of commerce.

A discussion of transparency in associations and chambers, contrasted with governmental bodies. bob@rchcae.com www.nonprofitcenter.com

Distinguish policies from procedures.

It takes tact to introduce the concept of a consent agenda to the board.

24 pages, 9 key areas to improve organizational performance

Understanding the distinctions of the chief elected officer, VP and past president. Tool for understanding and potentially delegating roles to these key positions.

Create a plan for staff development and funding.

Use the minutes for self serving statements to protect the board and corporation, such as, A motion was made to approve the minutes as distributed.

Two page insert for board training and leadership manuals.

What to ask before accepting an invitation to serve on the board. A vital list.

15 quick fixes to key management and governance systems to make improvements.

Before adjourning the board or committee meeting - use two minutes to rate it and suggest improvements for the next meeting. www.nonprofitcenter.com

Concerns at the Board Table....conflicts, speaking authority, big picture thinking - a short discussion with the Directors

Multiple choice quiz for managing non-profit risks (i.e. antitrust, copy right, original works, confidentiality, insurance). Training-discussion tool.

Comprehensive review on risk in associations and chambers; supporting document for live seminar.

Every man owes a part of his time and money to the organization......

Basics on rules of order; be sure to rely on certified parliamentarian.

Meeting monthly? Save 200 hours a year by transitioning to every other month.

Traveling the globe one realizes the rights and responsibilities of leadership in US associations and chambers of commerce.

Communicating the board's authority from the bylaws, articles, policies in a matrix - template format. Nice tool for boards.

Sign in sheet and rationale for board and committee meetings.

Principles to follow for strategic governance (reliance of the strategic plan, delegation to committees, advancement of the mission, etc.) Also the terminology of strategic planning.

When the plan is complete, consider this 1 page form for the directors to commit to advancing the mission and goals (avoiding micromanagement.)

Templates for effective use of the strategic plan. Improve outcomes with this toolkit; provided with permission.

A guide used in the classroom for teaching strategic planning to chamber and association executives.

Preparing for the planning retreat, what to cover at the retreat, and the steps after the retreat to implement the plan.

Structure, Strategy, Sustainability, Performance and Relevance - what's below the surface of an iceberg?

It is possible a board of directors' leadership manual reveals the priorities of the organization. Take a look. bob@rchcae.com

Board members have questions about serving; here are 10 common questions to anticipate.

NOT every board is ideal. Problems arise - quite often from behaviors at the board meeting. Talk about the problems and these solutions.

Two page insert for board training and leadership manuals.

The mission, vision and values make up the brand platform for an association or chamber; these are commonly adopted values.

Perspectives from board volunteers about excellence in governance.

Encourage board members to listen, respect silence, and avoid chasing squirrels.

A discussion with new volunteer leaders/directors. Comprehensive page of topics between the CEO and a new Director.

Boards should not be afraid to ask a CPA, attorney or consultant to answer their questions, concerns, and guide them.

Starting by knowing who does what? Chairman, Executive Dir, Board or Committee? Use the chart to discuss and clarify. www.nonprofitcenter.com

Training manual to be adapted for board orientation or board independent study. www.nonprofitcenter.com