Building a Competency Based Board

Jun 25, 2021, 4:11 PM

(from Associations NOW) Ten years ago, consultants Harrison Coerver and Mary Byers published their book, Race for Relevance, which argued that the optimal size of a board is five members. In the new revised edition of Race for Relevance, the authors are sticking with their advice, but they note that a smarter, speedier board also requires board members who are smarter about governance in general and the needs of organization. They have seen effective organizations conduct environmental scans regarding their needs for the next five years, and then vet and recruit potential board members who can help with those needs. That could mean marketing talent, or tech savvy, or representation from previously underserved member groups.