Now is not a time to simply weather the storm of economic turbulence, growing scrutiny from regulators, and increased competition. Associations that fail to invest in strategies that build short- and long-term organizational sustainability will lose steam, influence, and possibly members. The best leaders need to learn to navigate on two fronts: managing the immediate, day-to-day challenges and readying themselves and their organizations for what will arise in the future. To build an organizational culture that can successfully hold these two goals in mind simultaneously requires inclusion, adaptability, innovation, sustainability, and resilience, which only a board that is engaged, strategic, and effective can engender.
 This book draws from the research for 7 Measures of Success: What Remarkable Associations Do That Others Don t (ASAE, 2006), which, in turn, was informed by Jim Collins s research for Good to Great (he even advised the research team for 7 Measures of Success). Governing for Growth teases out the policy and strategy implications of the seven measures and presents them to association leaders who want to take their organizations to new levels of effectiveness, influence, and adaptability. The seven measures are
<li>A customer service culture </li>
<li>Alignment of products and services with mission </li>
<li>Data-driven strategies </li>
<li>Dialogue and engagement </li>
<li>CEO as a broker of ideas </li>
<li>Organizational adaptability </li>
<li>Alliance building.</li>
 The book presents ideas for presenting the seven measures to boards, discussing and adopting them, and bridging the gap between theory and practice, thereby serving as a guide to developing and enhancing the ability of boards to inspire and lead great organizational performance. It includes a companion facilitator s guide.

Governing for Growth: Using 7 Measures of Success to Strengthen Board Dialogue and Decision Making

Nancy R. Axelrod

ASAE Association Management Press

Orient your board members to their key roles and responsibilities with this concise coverage of their duties and the role they should play in advancing your organization's mission.
This booklet, written by Nancy Axelrod, governance consultant and founding president of BoardSource, who herself has served on many governing and advisory boards, provides an overview of 
<ul>
<li>legal duties of the board and board members</li>
<li>4 key overlapping roles</li>
<li>3 characteriestics that distinguish great boards</li>
<li>a fresh look at a 4-sighted board</li>
<li>10 tips for board members</li>
</ul>
 Developed for the harried board member, this booklet will maximize both their training time and the time they serve on the board by helping them focus on strategic rather than operational matters.

The Governing Board: Key Responsibilities for Boards and Board Members

This book explains how to create a culture of inquiry within the boardroom - one marked by mutual respect and constructive debate that leads to sound and shared decision making. It details how to develop an environment where board members solicit, acknowledge and respectfully listen to different points of view; where they seek more information, question assumptions, and challenge conclusions so that they may advocate for solutions based on analysis; and where board members are able to voice their concerns before reaching a collective decision, which, once made, is supported by the entire board. It includes tools for creating an environment of trust, for cultivating teamwork, for stimulating dialogue, and for sharing information. Written by one of the preeminent experts in nonprofit governance, this guide shows how to engage and energize board members and make better decisions.

Culture of Inquiry: Healthy Debate in the Boardroom

BoardSource

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Nancy R. Axelrod. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Nancy R. Axelrod

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Nancy R. Axelrod. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Governing for Growth: Using 7 Measures of Success to Strengthen Board Dialogue and Decision Making

The Governing Board: Key Responsibilities for Boards and Board Members

Culture of Inquiry: Healthy Debate in the Boardroom