Governance as Leadership

1. Governance as Leadership Beyond Four Walls Federation of Calgary Communities Beyond Four Walls Governance As Leadership

2. Who Is In The Room? • Introduce yourself (Name and CA) • Number of years on the Board • Finish the following: • The one thing I like about being on the board is… • The most challenging/frustrating thing is…. Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

3. Our Board is a: A. Governing Board B. Advisory Board C. No Idea As a board we make: A. Good Decisions B. Poor Decisions C. Seldom make decisions Our board meetings are: A. A waste of my time. B. Good use of my time C. OK but could be better As a board we represent: A. Views of the members B. Views of selected members C. Our own views Not-For-Profit Boards Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

4. Myths – Boards • There is one board structure that fits all. • All board members have to discuss all the issues. • No one “wants” to be a board member – we take who we can get. “Your Turn” • It is normal to have a five hour board meeting – we have a lot of business to cover. Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

5. Mission-Based Governance • The right way to govern an organization depends on: • Mission • People and Relationships • Organizational Culture Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

6. Decision Making Process • Most agree that the central component of governance is decision-making. It is the process through which a group of people make decisions that direct their collective efforts. Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

7. Don't let the situation confuse you... Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

8. Good governance • Is about both achieving desired results and achieving them in the right way. • Involves: • engaging membership • transparency – flow of information • all views are considered • effectiveness and efficiency • accountability • strategic vision and planning Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

9. MEMBERS / STAKEHOLDERS Articulate their Interests and Priorities Input Accountability BOARDS MAKE DECISIONS Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

10. GOVERNING BOARDS Policy Governance Working/Administrative ADVISORY BOARDS Informational Operational Types of Boards There is another body over the not-for-profit board that is the legal authority as defined by the constitution and bylaws Legally constituted body with responsibilities defined by the constitution and bylaws. Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

11. Policy (Big Picture – Future) Focus on the strategic Policies and Procedures Staff or volunteers implement policies Working/Operational (Administrative – Hands On) Focus on both strategic and operations Implement policies Often limited staff support Governing Boards BOTH PROVIDE GOVERNANCE / OVERSIGHT Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

12. Board Roles Boards will have both mandatory and chosen responsibilities: • MANDATORY: Bases on minimal legal requirements • CHOSEN: Roles the Board elects to play based on model selected. Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

13. Authority, Responsibility, Accountability • Authority (Given) • Right to decide what should be done • Power to require someone to take action • Can assign authority • Responsibility (Accepted) • Obligation to perform assigned functions • Accountability (Imposed) • Requirement to answer for results, actions and decisions • Cannot delegate accountability Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

14. Boards Provide • Leadership • Vision • Continuity of Purpose • Accountability Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

15. What do boards do? • Vision mission, goals – Strategic Planners • Financial and resource oversight • Accountability • Ensure the organization has sufficient and appropriate human resources (staff and volunteers) • Direct organizational operations • Ensure effective community and member relations • Ensure programs and services are in place. Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

16. Individual Board ResponsibilitiesGroup Discussion • Identify your own responsibilities • Share the list with others at your table • Make a list of common board responsibilities • Share with others in the room Worksheet #1 Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

17. General Member Responsibilities • Represent the membership at the board discussions • Ensure all legal obligations are enforced. • Ensure informed decisions are made to ensue the club is healthy and effective. • Perform the roles as assigned (such as committee chairs). Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

18. Individual - Time • Take the time to reflect on your list of responsibilities as a board member. • Complete • Identify areas of strength & areas you would like to improve • Strategies for change: What would you like to do differently? Worksheets 2 & 3 Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

19. Harness the ideas…. & make it work for you! Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

20. Board Recruitment • What image do you project? • Do you recruit or – beg, shame, threaten………? • Plan for future board members – build leaders within the Community Association. • Do you know what skills you need… plan • Do you have a job description. Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

21. Committees • Entry level for leadership positions • Share the workload • Focus the interests and efforts • Different committees for different priorities • Activity and “energy of the organization” Fun and Challenge All In One Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

22. Board Meetings • Are you prepared in advance • Only the business of the board • Separate policy from operational • ‘WHY’ are you not making decisions? • Make a commitment to change: • Longer Meetings – Less Decisions Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

23. Common Pitfalls • Advisory boards at times try to function as a governing board. • Boards deal with details and not the “bigger picture – the strategic priorities. • Ineffective meetings • Board and/or committee structure is ineffective. Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net

24. Always listen to good advice... Toby Rabinovitz, SMC Group West Phone: 403.246.7818. Email: tobyrab@telus.net