To create a highly-performing, value-enhancing board is a matter of addressing numerous issues. This involves having the right people on the board as well as fostering a positive culture, providing accessible information, streamlining processes and conducting regular evaluations. It is not an easy job, and there are many issues. Some of these issues are simple to fix and others are more elusive. The examples of organizational assessments good news is, the majority of these problems can be solved.

A common problem is when a board does not perform in its obligation to evaluate its own performance by creating internal structures and processes it needs. This usually means establishing committees or officers who are accountable for collecting data, analyzing and presenting regularly information on performance to the board.

If this is not done, the board may not be able recognize its strengths and weaknesses. It also can prevent the board from taking the appropriate actions to address areas in need of improvement.

A board that does not follow through on its agreed-upon improvement plans is another problem. This could happen when a board is distracted by other issues and loses focus on the issues determined during its previous review.

One of the most effective solutions to this problem is for boards to conduct an in-depth self-evaluation once per year. BoardEffect’s built-in surveys help ensure accuracy and can serve as a basis for a complete board evaluation in the event of need. This allows boards to make sure that they concentrate on the most important issues, and that their efforts contribute to the success of the business.