The Art of Governing Coherently

This book is a simple, logical and practical implementation guide for boards that have adopted or are considering adoption of either Coherent GovernanceÒ or Policy GovernanceÒ.

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.

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