Board retreats are essential for organizations to foster forward movement, build relationships among board members, and align on key issues. In a recent Association for Talent Development (ATD) presentation, valuable insights were shared on maximizing the effectiveness of board retreats. This blog post will delve into the key takeaways from the session, exploring the purpose of board retreats, the importance of onboarding new members, leveraging technology tools like Google Classroom, and engaging activities to enhance team building and collaboration.
Setting the Purpose of Board Retreats
The primary goal of board retreats, as highlighted in the ATD session, is to drive forward momentum. Creating an action plan for the future, aligning on critical matters, and building relationships among board members are key objectives of these retreats. Many organizations conduct both Fall and Spring retreats, with the Fall Retreat often led by the President-Elect and the Spring Retreat led by the President.
Onboarding New Board Members
A valuable practice shared during the session was utilizing board retreats as an opportunity to onboard new members. In addition to traditional methods, employing tools like Google Classroom for onboarding can enhance the process. New board members should be provided with essential information about the organization, including national resources, strategies, collaboration and communication techniques, technology tools, governance, branding, and expectations. Incorporating Chapter Affiliation Requirements (CARE) requirements into role descriptions is also recommended to ensure all members are aware of their responsibilities.
Preparation and Engaging Activities
To make board retreats more productive and engaging, pre-work assignments were suggested. Members can be asked to reflect on what is currently working, areas for improvement, and their future plans. This input can then be used for goal setting during the retreat. Additionally, requesting budget sheets from Vice Presidents (VPs) or asking them to provide a budget for their specific areas of responsibility can facilitate budget reconciliation and financial planning discussions.
Team building and relationship building were emphasized as crucial components of successful retreats. Creative activities were suggested to enhance engagement and interaction among participants. Ideas such as using unusual objects or candy wrappers to describe oneself, guessing the person associated with each member’s picture, playing LinkedIn Jeopardy using tidbits from profiles, or solving mixed puzzles collaboratively can foster a sense of camaraderie and connection.
Providing Opportunities and Gathering Member Feedback
The session highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for members to contribute and grow within the organization. One way to reinforce commitment is to have individuals sign a board commitment form, affirming their dedication to the organization’s mission and goals. Additionally, reaching out to members to understand their needs and preferences can help improve the services and support provided by the board.
Conclusion
Board retreats offer a valuable opportunity for organizations to propel their mission forward, strengthen relationships among board members, and align on key issues. By focusing on action planning, onboarding new members, leveraging technology tools, and incorporating engaging activities, board retreats can become highly productive and enjoyable experiences. Creating an environment that encourages collaboration, fosters creativity, and supports individual growth contributes to the overall success of the organization. With these insights from the ATD presentation, boards can make the most of their retreats and drive positive change.
Photo: Photo by Yan Krukau: https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-colleagues-working-together-7793730/
