Board Evaluation Needs Data
May 21, 2013

Performance evaluation is always more effective when applied internally. If we know what is expected of us, we can be more acutely analytic about our failings than any outside observer. We can hold ourselves to higher standards because we know what we are capable of accomplishing. Do your board members know what is expected of them clearly enough to do this self-analysis? Do your routine processes facilitate that self-evaluation for individual board members, all officers and the board as a whole? This data should be collected around every board meeting in such a way that individuals reflect on their work and the work of officers and the board as a whole. Put some time into designing this data collection procedure. Make it reflect what is going on right now and relevant board member roles. Data should be aggregated to preserve anonymity and returned to all board members. Board officers and senior management should follow up on anything flagged as an opportunity for improvement.