The Power of Good Questions for Every Board Member
In John 16:30, the apostles say to Jesus, "Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God." Something about the way Jesus responded to questions demonstrated he was from God! This should not surprise us; typical first-century Hebraic teaching was through the pedagogy of 'questions.'
Within this 1st century teaching methodology lies the greatest superpower of each board member: Asking Good Questions! Because great questions drive organizational purpose.
But the problem is that most boards don't implement this practice. In typical three-year director terms, a troublesome pattern emerges: the first year, a board member remains quiet as they learn. The second year, they feel confident enough to share their thoughts. The third year, they return to their quieter side as they prepare to depart and hand the reins over to others. Only one year of vocal participation, and participation guided by way of sharing personal opinions. What a shame!
Such a pattern falsely demonstrates the idea that a board member's value is brought only when they share a personal opinion. Otherwise, why would anyone wait a year to better understand the organization? Also, it implies that all personal opinions are wise to be shared at the board table. Lastly, it implies that the strongest personal opinions (spoken most clearly and by the most experienced) set the tone for everyone's decision-making.
So, let me put away those assumptions and build into all board members a behaviour that will help the mission be propelled forward: Ask open-ended, purpose-related questions! Why? Because a board – whose chief responsibility is to "own the strategy" – needs open-ended questions framed by the Strategic Plan in order to drive the group to an effective decision.
Here's a model question any board member might ask: "How does (immediate item/discussion) serve us in accomplishing (named Strategic Goal/Purpose). For example,
- How does moving from a 1/2 time to a full-time youth pastor help us achieve our goal of reaching youth from outside the congregation?
- Which one(s) of our strategic goals is best accomplished by spending $10,000 on this building renovation?
- Might polling our stakeholders about this issue help us to achieve the long-term objective of raising funds for a school gym renovation?
- Since we are asking our Executive Director to spend the bulk of her time on building community partnerships, what will be the outcome/result upon the goal of Staff Development?
These kinds of questions do not take long to formulate; they just take practice. Notice that none of them convey anyone's personal opinion. Yet all of them ask a question framed within the overarching goals of the organization. These questions can be asked from a person who is an experienced board member OR still learning about the organization, and it wouldn't matter. What good questions accomplish is that they get everyone around the table to consider the main purpose(s) of the organization in a thoughtful way.
Good open-ended questions begin with: Why, How, How might we, What, In what way, and Which. And, they are directed toward measuring the impact upon the church, charity, or school's purpose(s).
Here is an additional bonus: Good questions build trust! Good questions pointed at organizational purpose (whether from the Executive Director, chairperson, or a new board member)
all convey that the questioner is primarily concerned for the organization, and not in protecting or showing off their own opinion. This builds trust in spades!
SHEPHERD'S SPOTLIGHT:
Have you considered? Boot Camp: A one-day board member training.
The above subject matter re: 'Good Questions' is just one way in which board members can be made ready to serve effectively on your board. If you wish to have board members serve effectively immediately in their first meeting, you may wish to include a one-day boot camp as their orientation.
Shepherd Consulting provides such orientation in a way that is tailored, engaging, and helpful to strengthen your board. Topics include:
- What is governance? How is it different from other forms of organizational leadership?
- What are the responsibilities of a board member?
- The best spiritual practices for board members.
- Are board meetings only about creating policy?
- Is there space for my particular gifts and interests?
- Mastring 'multi-modal governance' and when to know how to use each mode.
- The role of strategy as a guide in the boardroom.
- So what's up with board sub-committees?
- What to expect from your Senior Leader(s): and how to get the best out of them.
- How to ensure you come away with the feeling that you have truly made a difference!
- Governance best practices.
- Other customized topics.
Rev Dr Darren Roorda (Founder and Principal Consultant) has served in Non-Profit Leadership for over 23 years.
His roles as Executive Director, International Liaison, Project Manager, Pastor, and even Official Lobbyist have helped hone his education in Leadership, Governance, and Theology.
D. Min., Pro Dir, Partner of The Alliance for Board Effectiveness. Professional Member of the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities
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email: info@shepherdconsulting.ca
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