Prevent a Rubber Stamping Board
Rubber stamping boards are boards that approve whatever is presented with little discussion. A rubber stamping board is a board that is not energized. Because there is a lack of energy, board directors are missing out on their opportunity to support the mission of the organization, share the purpose of the organization, and use the influence of board directors to impact the mission. A change in the organization is usually the time when the board understands it is not energized. When a new CEO is hired or a new board member is added, the new person usually has questions about process and best ways to contribute. One way to energize the board is to remind members why they joined the board.
The addition of a new board director is a great time to go through an on-boarding process. The entire board can engage in aspects of the on-board process including a review of the organization’s goals, programs, accomplishments, and vision for the future. The board should have a packet prepared for the new board director that includes the board job description, bylaws, conflict of interest statement, and past minutes. A current board director should be in charge of providing the on-boarding process to new board directors.
If your board is going through the motions, approving agenda items with little discussion or input, your board is stale. Energize the board by reviewing the on-boarding process to get board directors excited about their board service.
For more information on board governance and board diversity, follow along on Twitter or Instagram. Nikki McCord is the founder of McCord Consulting Group, the only choice for organizations looking to energize, innovate, and diversify their Board of Directors.