Board System Optimization Board System Optimization (BSO) is a systematic process through which boards build on their strengths to create a working framework and structure for exceptional board performance. Utilizing the Board System Optimization process boards can expect the following outcomes:

• There will be a clear understanding of the roles of the board and the administration.
• The administration will have their authority clearly delegated to them.
• The board will govern through a clear set of policies.
• The board will employ a clear and fair system of monitoring organizational, executive, and board performance.
• There will be a system for engaging with owners and discovering organizational trends
• An empowered staff will conduct its work within clear boundaries and will be held accountable for organizational results.

Board System Optimization leads a board through a sequential process of reflection and analysis, learning, implementation, and enhancement.

Step One – Reflection

Board Interview and Assessment

Conduct interviews with key governance players and executive. Survey board members. Identify any underlying board dynamics, board beliefs about governance, sense of the current state of governance.

Board Assessment Review

Examine interview and survey results, as well as any documents that would give a full picture of the board’s functioning.

Step Two – Foundations

Board Rules!

A one-day high-level workshop covering the concepts and practices of Policy Governance.
Policy Plant – a one-day workshop in which we create the board policies necessary for governance.

Step Three – The Meeting Point

Using the structured conversations of the Organizational Focus Finder (O.F.F), the board clearly defines the purpose of the organization and what success will look like.

Step Four – Implementation Plus

Governance Coaching

Allows the board and executive leadership to apply successfully implement Policy Governance. Governance Coaching provides the support necessary to translate the concepts and principles of Policy Governance into tangible results. Typically, the board leadership creates an agenda for the year and the chief executive creates compliance reports and administrative policies.

Day one:

Assessment of the organization's Governance situation
Interviews with Executive Director/CEO and Board Chairperson
Review minutes, monitoring, agenda and agenda plan

Day two:

Policy Governance(r) Introduction
Ends/Means
Organizational Ends
Policy in 4 quadrants
Ownership Linkage

Day three:

Training: Policy
Policy writing

Day four:

Policy writing
Policy review
Monitoring

Day five:

Bylaws review, revision
Legal review
Installation
Board evaluation