Board meetings serve as the cornerstone for shaping an organization’s future, yet it’s easy for discussions to drift into procedural minutiae. By deliberately integrating the mission, health, and human service leaders can transform meetings into opportunities to align strategies, decisions, and actions with their organization’s purpose. The following insights from experienced leaders demonstrate how these practices inspire focus, foster collaboration, and enhance effectiveness.
Opening with Intention
Setting a mission-focused tone begins before discussions start. Laurie Nafziger, CEO of Oaklawn, describes a simple yet intentional practice, “At the beginning of every meeting—after the invocation and before the agenda—we read the mission statement and Corporate Values aloud.” This moment provides a pause for reflection. “It’s not a profound act, but it reminds us why we’re here and how we live out the mission.” Tim Stoll, Executive Director of Thurston Woods Village, highlights the role of meditation, “We do an opening meditation at every board meeting, centering it around our work. It’s uplifting and helps us focus on what truly matters.” Stoll notes these meditations are often the most meaningful elements for attendees. Similarly, Kevin Paluszak, CEO of Pleasant View, Inc., shares their approach – “We open with prayer and devotion, followed by reading our mission, vision, and values. This grounding maintains clarity on how our role serves the mission.”
Keeping the Mission Front and Center
Effective boards weave the mission into discussions and decisions. Missy Kauffman Schrock, Executive Director of the Center for Healing & Hope, emphasizes this practice – “We read the mission, vision, and values at the start of every meeting. It ensures our strategic planning and decisions are rooted in our purpose.” Pleasant View enhances this alignment with “spotlight” sessions showcasing outcomes tied to the mission. These moments—whether through videos, presentations, or testimonials—connect the Board to the impact of their work. Paluszak explains,
“All who attend feel a connection to the lives we serve and the difference they make as part of Pleasant View. It’s about seeing value and finding joy in their roles.” Similarly, Ed Brubaker, CEO of Living Branches, ensures visibility by printing the mission at the top of agendas – “This prompts us to ask how decisions advance the mission, preventing it from becoming just words on a wall.”
Structuring Agenda Items Around the Mission
The agenda is a powerful tool for focus. Paluszak shares how Pleasant View structures agenda items to align with their mission, vision, and values. Key elements include:
- Fiduciary Oversight: Evaluating budgets, projects, and strategies to ensure alignment with the mission and strategic plan.
- Strategic Planning: Identifying opportunities and challenges to prioritize long-term goals.
- Generative Questions: Exploring big-picture ideas that advance the mission and highlight impact beyond operational metrics.
This framework fosters meaningful dialogue and keeps oversight mission-centered.
Building Accountability and Ownership
Boards play a dual role: holding staff accountable while supporting leadership. Schrock highlights this responsibility – “The Board sets goals aligned with our mission and ensures staff accountability. My role is to align operations with that mission.” Thurston Woods Village reinforces accountability with reflective practices. Stoll explains, “At the end of each meeting, we ask everyone to reflect. This often reveals insights about how the meeting connected with our mission and values.”
Creating a Culture of Purpose and Joy
Mission-focused practices improve board effectiveness and foster shared purpose. Brubaker underscores the Board’s role as “keeper” of the mission – “Keeping the mission front and center makes a difference in discussions, ensuring decisions empower purpose and joy.” Rooting discussions in shared values strengthens connections, allowing board members to see the tangible impact of their contributions and deepen their commitment to the communities they serve.
Integrating the mission into board meetings ensures every decision and strategy is guided by purpose. Whether through meditations, mission statements, spotlighting impact, or structuring agenda items, these practices inspire focus, foster collaboration, and deepen accountability. By centering the mission in every conversation, organizations honor their trust to advance their vital work and serve their communities.