The Trustee Quarterly Newsletter for Summer 2024 is now available with the focus on cultivating a vibrant governance culture.
The board’s culture sets the tone for the top of the entire organization. While many boards have a “code of conduct” for board meetings, the culture is broader than the expectations for conduct. It is the greater influence in how the board functions, engages, and ultimately leads the hospital or health system.
This quarter, readers will learn why board culture matters but more importantly how to foster a board that cultivate a culture of innovation and adaptation, as this can better steer their hospital or health system through inevitable changes in the environment.
Understanding the expectation of a high performing board is important and starting with the basic may be key to success. Every board is different, but there are some underlying principles of board meeting conduct that are, or should be, universal. Some boards have a pledge that is signed by every board member outlining these principles. important because it signifies personal ownership in abiding by the code. Typical components of a code of conduct include areas such as:
- Attending meetings regularly and coming prepared to fully engage
- Listening carefully to fellow board members and being willing to consider all points of view
- Refraining from micromanagement
- Fully supporting board decisions once, the majority decision has been reached
- Continuously learning
Outlined are a few characteristics of a vibrant governance culture which include:
- Trust and Respect: Candid dialogue, constructive debate, and effective decision making rely on trust and respect among board members.
- Engagement: Board members demonstrate their commitment through thorough preparation and participation in governance discussion and decision making. They don’t come to meetings unprepared.
- Mutual Accountability: Every trustee takes responsibility for the board’s decisions and their individual contributions to the board’s work. Even when in the minority on a vote, trustees should always unconditionally support the majority.
- Collaborative Spirit and Constructive Challenge: Rubber stamping is not acceptable. Board members are supportive, but also willing to challenge one another and management in a constructive way to enhance decision making.
- And more..
Through SDAHO’s Perspective, readers will learn of the associations most recent collaboration with Sumption on Wyland, a four-part video governance series titled: Stepping into Governance. The video series is designed to provide members with an introduction to their governance role. The videos can also be used as a refresher for veteran board members as they continue to evolve their governance processes. This customized resource is a free benefit for SDAHO members and their board members.
About the presenter
Stepping into Governance, features Margaret Sumption, LCP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP of Sumption and Wyland. Margaret has over 30 years’ experience as a leader in organization governance. She is a native South Dakotan with a master’s in education, Mental Health Licensure, and credentialing as a human resources executive. Margaret is a familiar face to SDAHO members, hosting several webinars focusing on governance and regulation over the past several years. Stepping into Governance includes four video sessions:
Session 1: Introducing Governance Design defines the various governance models healthcare organization’s work within.
Session 2: Partnerships and Alliances provides an outline of the relationships, partnerships, understanding, and communication demanded of board members as they provide their leadership to their organizations.
Session 3: The Business of Healthcare provides an overview on setting strategic direction and acting as the leading voice of the community.
Session 4: Moving Mission Forward provides an overview of the strategic work of the board in collaboration with its executive leadership.
To access these members only videos, access the Summer 2024 Trustee Quarterly Newsletter or additional SDAHO Trustee Resources visit trustees.sdaho.org.
