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Download the Culture Assessment
Start With a Culture Assessment
Leading boards intentionally design practices and evaluate behaviors, dynamics, meetings, engagements, and relationships to maximize their effectiveness.
Use this self-assessment to identify unexamined practices* and areas where the board can grow and learn from practices shared by directors, educators and institutions focused on board effectiveness.
Key: 1 = Never, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Very Often, 5 = Always
Culture Assessment: | Never ↔ Always | To learn more, go to: |
| We periodically assess, discuss and align on norms* and practices that maximize the contributions of all board members and executives. | 1 2 3 4 5 | Establish Inclusive Norms |
| In meetings, we invite board members to contribute a variety of perspectives, including opposing views on critical topics. | 1 2 3 4 5 | Facilitate Effective Meetings |
| We offer regular opportunities to build strong interpersonal relationships beyond the boardroom. | 1 2 3 4 5 | Build Strong Relationships |
| We have a comprehensive onboarding program which includes assigning board buddies for the first year of a new director’s term to support their success. | 1 2 3 4 5 | Mentor New Directors |
| We learn about and engage in conversations about inclusion and equity without minimizing any board members. | 1 2 3 4 5 | Engage With and Value Differences |
Download the Culture Assessment
*Unexamined Practices: Practices and expectations which are often unacknowledged but are regularly relied upon for the overall functionality of the group.
*Norms: The practices and behaviors of a group--formal and informal, spoken and unspoken--that guide how the group works together and how individuals can participate.
Learn more about these terms in the glossary.