Description
Book SynopsisThis book provides clear strategies and processes for boards faced with the challenge to make their governing model, either Coherent GovernanceÒ or Policy GovernanceÒ, work in real life. The Art of Governing Coherently is a practical guide loaded with down-to-earth solutions, all based on processes successfully in use today by boards across the United States and internationally. While many of the examples offered here come from the world of public school boards and non-profit boards, the implementation processes are equally applicable to boards of all types. The challenge of governing and leading a complex organization is difficult enough without struggling to develop and use clear, logical and accountable processes. The Art of Governing Coherently does exactly what the title promises.The authors draw from their combined 70-plus years of experience in working with public and non-profit boards, including work with hundreds of boards using both Coherent GovernanceÒ and Policy Governance
Trade ReviewThe authors take the important and perplexing topic of how to govern well and lay out a road map to help your board achieve good governance. The clarity of thought that developed this model is apparent throughout this book. This is where theory is made practicable. -- Jan Berg, President, DeForest, WI Board of Education
Dawson and Quinn have created a system which gives impetus and focus to excellent leadership and governance. Their practical wisdom – phronesis - is invaluable to CEOs and Boards alike. -- Naomi Johnson, Former Chief Superintendent, Calgary CA Board of Education
The Art of Governing Coherently provides a clear pathway to effective and accountable board governance. Linda and Randy nailed it. -- Karen Cornett, Member, Palm Springs Unified School District, California
This book aims to help boards stay aligned to the true meaning of governance and holds them accountable for leadership and change management. Boards can become distracted by all the shiny aspects of operations, but this book confirms why staying true to coherent governance lends itself to better results. -- Deborah Hendrix, Former President, Harrison School District 2 Board of Education, Colorado Springs, CO; Executive Director, Parents Challenge
I couldn’t be more clear of my authority, boundaries, limitations and expectations, while our Board has never felt so informed and empowered to improve student learning. This has truly provided us a roadmap to success. -- John Steach, Superintendent, Evergreen, WA School District
Practical, simple and direct advice is coupled with concise formats that successfully support the Board and CEO in this quality governance model. -- Brad Mayne, CVE, International Association of Venue Managers, Dallas, TX
If you are on a school board and things are not going well. Or … something is not right and you don’t know enough to know what is wrong. Or … you just want to do it the right way. Check out this book and then call them! -- Richard Clapp, Member, Palm Springs Unified School District, California
I am not a fan of mandates in public education, but Dawson and Quinn’s The Art of Governing Coherently should be required reading for all current and aspiring school board members and district superintendents. Every school board and superintendent team want to be effective – to achieve great results for students. They confront the reality that the work is complex and fraught with barriers and distractions. Dawson and Quinn provide a clear vision along with a rational pathway to develop the governance and leadership roles required for organizational improvement and achieving meaningful outcomes for students. It is a compelling call and useful guide for Boards and Superintendents to successfully do what matters. -- Jon Bales, Executive Director, Wisconsin Association of School Administrators
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Chapter 1: A Word About Governing Models Chapter 2: Rolling Out Your Model Chapter 3: Monitoring Governance Culture and Board-CEO Relations Policies Chapter 4: Monitoring Operational Expectations Policies Chapter 5: Monitoring Results Policies Chapter 6: Evaluating the CEO in this New Governing Environment Chapter 7: Engagement Chapter 8: The Board’s Annual Work Plan Chapter 9: The Board’s New Meeting Agenda Chapter 10: Change: It’s a Leadership Conundrum Chapter 11: Now What? Appendix A: Operational Expectation Monitoring Report Appendix B: Operational Expectation Monitoring Report Appendix C: Results Monitoring Report (Step 1) Appendix D: Results Monitoring Report (Step 2) Appendix E: Engagement through Key Communicators Appendix F: Engagement Plan to further Define Results Appendix G: Board Listening Campaign Appendix H: Board Meeting Agenda: School Board Appendix I: Quarterly Corporate Board Meeting Agenda Glossary About the Authors
