A different environment can help stimulate ideas and innovation...
There are so many reasons why taking time away from the busyness of work to reset our perspectives and give a little distance to all the things happening around us is an important practice. We know it’s important for ourselves personally and professionally, so why not do that for a board of directors?
In our nonprofit, faith-based organizations, fulfilling the mission relies on the dedication and collaboration of the board. As stewards of the organization’s mission, board members carry significant responsibilities, from setting strategic goals to ensuring fiscal health and supporting the organization’s sustainability. One of the best ways to equip, inspire, and refocus board members for their crucial roles is through an annual board retreat.
If this doesn’t convince you that a board retreat is important, here are some additional reasons to consider an annual board retreat in your board meeting calendar.
- Retreats can strengthen and deepen the board’s connection to the mission and vision of the organization and consider the why behind the services.
- The retreat space allows uninterrupted time to reflect on strategic planning and setting goals, consider potential challenges, and explore growth opportunities. This is an opportunity to look into the future and discern whether the organization is equipped to meet future challenges with clarity and purpose.
- A retreat can strengthen board member relationships with each other. The board functions best when its members are united in purpose, trust, and mutual respect. Regular board meetings can be too task-oriented to allow for meaningful personal connections. During a retreat, board members have the chance to engage on a more personal level, often through team-building exercises, meals, or informal conversations. This time together fosters a supportive community within the board, strengthening the foundation of trust and cooperation necessary for effective governance.
- Strengthening the sense of mission and vision, and evaluating strategy and goals, all while being in a relaxing and generative setting can reinvigorate board member commitment. Including spiritual reflection, time for prayer, and mission testimonials, board members can be reminded of the impact of their work and have more motivation to stay engaged.
- Board retreats offer an excellent opportunity to offer training and education on governance, industry changes, legal and financial deep-dives, and other relevant topics.
There are many other reasons to hold regular board retreats beyond what has been highlighted here. Creating a space and dedicated time to work in a generative mode of governance is important for the overall sustainability of an organization and for maintaining board engagement.
To be fruitful and provide benefit and value to board members, approach the retreat with a clear agenda and outcome goals. Consider bringing in an outside facilitator and/or a consultant to lead the strategic planning, training, and education, and lead the generative discussion. A facilitator can keep track of time, stay on task with the agenda, and ensure the outcomes or deliverables of the retreat are met.
If possible, hold the retreat away from the organization. A different environment can help stimulate ideas and innovation. Consider holding your retreat at a location such as another MHS Association member or an organization that provides similar services in your region as a way of learning more about another organization’s setting.
Consider your budget when determining a retreat location, the length of the board retreat, and all of the costs associated. Also, consider board member’s needs when determining the length of the retreat. Board members may need childcare services to attend or there may be other family-related issues that a board member may need to navigate to attend.
Your goal should be to have every board member attend. Attendance can be more important at a board retreat than a regular board meeting if you are doing strategic planning and visioning.
Comradery and engagement with each other are important. Have some fun! Celebrate service, affirm leadership, and take time to consider what has been accomplished. A board retreat can serve as a much-needed “reset,” giving your board more clarity, momentum, focus, and discernment.