Much of the focus on volunteer leader education and orientation is on the board of directors—and rightly so. If the board is dysfunctional, the whole organization will likely follow suit. After the importance of the board comes the importance of committee and task force function.
A board depends on effective committees and task forces to get its strategic and generative work done. If a board has to manage dysfunctional committees and task forces or do committee work, it cannot meet its goals and potential.
Many habits of high-functioning boards hold true for committees and task forces:
They build a healthy culture that is thoughtful, informed, courteous, and candid.
They’re ready to make recommendations or decisions if the board has delegated that authority.
They consider staff as partners and trusted advisors.
Their members come prepared.
Developing high-functioning committees takes dedication and effort. The following areas that are so important to the board’s work also drive committee and task force success.