Do your board members regularly ask inquisitive and challenging questions? Does your board have a culture that promotes dialogue and debate?
An often-overlooked strategy of effective boards is to create and/or nurture a true culture of inquiry. Great boards engage members in a way that truly enlists their collective skill sets, thoughts, and differences of opinion. Dialogue with debate is a great thing to have in board meetings. Open discussions that include diverse perspectives position the board to make the best choices.
Creating a culture of inquiry is not an easy task. It requires that each board member comes from a place of authenticity, vulnerability, and trust. The relationships board members have with each other are foundational for this. Genuine respect among board members with an appreciation for everyone’s differences is required.
How Can You Create a Culture of Inquiry?
To practice this, you might consider introducing a topic that is simple to tackle. Break into smaller groups to bring more voices into the room and come back together to share as a large group.
Building a culture of inquiry takes time and effort, but it is essential for a board to effectively govern an organization. By following these tips, boards can create an environment where all board members’ voices are spoken and heard.
How will you ensure your board has a culture of inquiry?
This month, DBD Group is looking at technologies, collaborations, and strategies that will help reinvigorate both your work and your motivation. Join us as we introduce ways to revitalize, modernize, and optimize.