Art of Governing Coherently

This book provides clear strategies and processes for boards faced with the challenge to make their governing model, either Coherent GovernanceÒ or Policy GovernanceÒ, work in real life. The Art of Governing Coherently is a practical guide loaded with down-to-earth solutions, all based on processes successfully in use today by boards across the United States and internationally. While many of the examples offered here come from the world of public school boards and non-profit boards, the implementation processes are equally applicable to boards of all types. The challenge of governing and leading a complex organization is difficult enough without struggling to develop and use clear, logical and accountable processes. The Art of Governing Coherently does exactly what the title promises. The authors draw from their combined 70-plus years of experience in working with public and non-profit boards, including work with hundreds of boards using both Coherent GovernanceÒ and Policy GovernanceÒ, as they present their insight about how to use the models effectively. Their common-sense implementation strategies for helping real boards deal with real issues, and doing it through faithful utilization of their new governing tools, makes this a continuing reference source for boards as they translate theory into practice.

Linda J. Dawson has more than 35 years of experience as a skilled author, consultant, coach and facilitator with a career in teaching and administration, agency public relations, and association leadership. As an executive with the Colorado Association of School Boards, she developed widely regarded governance training programs recognized at the national and international levels. The ensuing demand for her services led to her decision to co-found AGI: Aspen Group International LLC in 1993.

Preface Acknowledgements Chapter 1: A Word About Governing Models Chapter 2: Rolling Out Your Model Chapter 3: Monitoring Governance Culture and Board-CEO Relations Policies Chapter 4: Monitoring Operational Expectations Policies Chapter 5: Monitoring Results Policies Chapter 6: Evaluating the CEO in this New Governing Environment Chapter 7: Engagement Chapter 8: The Board's Annual Work Plan Chapter 9: The Board's New Meeting Agenda Chapter 10: Change: It's a Leadership Conundrum Chapter 11: Now What? Appendix A: Operational Expectation Monitoring Report Appendix B: Operational Expectation Monitoring Report Appendix C: Results Monitoring Report (Step 1) Appendix D: Results Monitoring Report (Step 2) Appendix E: Engagement through Key Communicators Appendix F: Engagement Plan to further Define Results Appendix G: Board Listening Campaign Appendix H: Board Meeting Agenda: School Board Appendix I: Quarterly Corporate Board Meeting Agenda Glossary About the Authors