Getting to Great DialogueGwen DuBois-Wing, DuBois-Wing + AssociatesDebra Beck, Ed.D.

International Policy Governance AssociationApril 8, 2015

Why “Great Dialogue?”

What does “great dialogue” look like?

What is happening?

What are its outcomes?

Connecting to Policy Governance

• Ends policy development:• Helpful to produce meaningful, owner-informed ends• Stretch thinking about ends policies

• Understanding special board-ownership relationship• Shaking up board process• Board engagement with owners

“Great Dialogue” Factors

Your thoughts:

Factors that enhance board

dialogue

Dialogue Greatness Factors

•Connections to core board work•Great questions•Access to diverse perspectives• Skillful facilitation by leadership

Strategies for Great Dialogue

• Define governance-focused questions• From board goals• From strategic planning

processes• From board policy

• Invite, value diverse perspectives• Define what ‘diverse’

means to you

Great Dialogue Strategies

• Transform meeting agendas• Space for discussion

(consent agenda!)• Flip the agenda

• Define, reinforce values, expectations• Respectful discourse• Constructive conflict• Pre-meeting prep

Great Dialogue Strategies

• Prepare chair for facilitation• Inviting, managing

wide-ranging conversation• Framing discussions• Ensuring all are heard

Great Dialogue Strategies

• Expect, support board learning• Individual, group• Access to quality

information, sources

• Acknowledge messiness of open idea exchange

Creating Your Great Dialogues

What one step can you take, with your board, to enhance the power of your

discussions?

With what impact?

The Human Element

•More than magic formulas – questions, agendas, frameworks, etc.• Engaging the people at the table• Board/CEO collaboration• Productive engagement• Sustainable culture, processes, values• DNA of the organization• Dynamic balance• Culture of inquiry

Questions?

Contact Us

•Gwen DuBois-Wing•DuBois-Wing + Associates• gdubois-wing@tbaytel.net•Debra Beck•www.boardlearning.org• Twitter: @Npmaven• debrabeck@boardlearning.org• http://bit.ly/BoardDynamics