Board retreats can make a positive difference for your organization if they are well planned and well executed. Whenever I facilitate a Board retreat, I ask, “What are the goals of the retreat?”
Here are some possible answers:
Ownership of the Mission. Do your Board members really know the why and what of your organization? Do they say, ”We” or do they say “They” when talking about your organization? Do they talk with others in the community about your organization? Can they share the mission with others succinctly and enthusiastically? If not, you need a Board Retreat!
Re-energize and re-engage your Board. Your Board needs to be a team and to be a team they must engage on an emotional level. A Board retreat is a great time to regroup, reconnect, recharge and remind your Board that they need to work together to forward the mission.
Networking and socializing. Board attendance and output is increased when people build relationships. A retreat provides social and networking time, so members can get to know each other.
Build Staff/Board relationships. The Board is the “what” and the Staff is the “how.” Often these lines get crossed and resentments occur. Staff needs to hear what the Board thinks. At a retreat, have the Staff present an issue and/or ask a series of questions that they can discuss together and have both Staff and Board share insights.
Review Board expectations. Many Boards become “Meet, Eat and Greet Boards” and do very little! Use a Board retreat to review the roles, responsibilities and expectation of your Board members and have them recommit to doing what needs to be done.
Plan for the year. “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!” Do you have a strategic plan? Is it followed, reviewed and revised? A Board retreat is a great time to set doable goals and action steps. Assign specific members to “champion” them.
Raise more money. People don’t give because they are not asked! A Board retreat is an excellent time to talk about giving and getting money. Train your Board on how to ask. Brainstorm people who can be asked. Be sure to emphasize 100% Board-donor participation.