Intake: Diagnostics and Analysis

Phase 1

In order to determine a treatment plan, the first phase typically involves diagnostics and data analysis. This can take several forms, most commonly:

• Learn the Perspectives of Board and Senior Staff Members:
  Meet with leadership to 1) determine the primary issues facing the organization; 2) elicit views regarding board performance; and 3) learn the historical and current context of the organization and governance. Several methods are helpful and may include interviews, short questionnaires, or board self-assessment surveys.

• Meeting Observations:
  For some engagements, observation of the board and/or committees in action at meetings is performed with an eye to how the agenda was developed and moderated; how tightly conversations are linked to matters of symbolic or strategic significance; how actively and evenly board members are engaged; and overall group dynamics.

• Data Analysis:
  We analyze and summarize the data from a document review (could include Bylaws, past two agendas and minutes, most recent board assessments, strategic plan), observational notes, interviews, short questionnaire, and board self-assessment in order to identify key concerns, common themes, indicative data, representative anecdotes, and central conclusions. All self-assessment survey findings are reported in the form of a PowerPoint slide deck.