Principle 1

Impactful, Purposeful Leadership

Rangatiratanga

Good boards are leaders.

Board Resources Good Governance Code Impactful, Purposeful Leadership

Download the Code (PDF)

Good boards collectively come together (like a woven mat) to focus on serving their kaupapa. They focus on making the most impact for their communities with the resources they have. They seek members with the right skills and relevant experience.

Download the Code (PDF)

What the principle looks like in practice

Have a shared view of the future and focus on fulfilling their mission, and serving their communities, with aroha.

Make plans for achieving their goals and use those plans to prioritise how they spend the organisation’s money.

Use their plans in board discussions so they are focused on understanding the extent of the difference they are making, now and in the future.

Lead without egos and personal agendas, instead seeing themselves as teams focused on serving their communities.

Actions boards can take

Good boards work as teams and take time to build their teams. Work on yourself. As a start, make sure you understand each other’s skills and perspectives. Ensure there is good communication between members and management.

Be clear about the purpose and values of your organisation. Use your foundation documents (like your trust deed, constitution, board policies, mission, vision, and strategic plan) to drive your board work. Create your strategic plan to achieve them. Set goals. Document them. Find ways of measuring how well you are doing against your goals.

Create an annual board work plan. Make sure you make time to discuss not only the pressing issues of the day but also longer-term risks and opportunities.

Ask at each meeting, have we added value? Review your board performance honestly by asking: what leadership does your board show and what impact do you make? Seek the views of management and stakeholders.

Understand your role as board members and what leadership in a governance role means. It is different from being in a management or technical role. Get governance training for yourself and your whole board so you are all working together towards your vision, mission and goals.

Make sure you have the right people on your board. Spend time on board recruitment: getting people with the right skills nominated for elections, or approach people with the right skills. Focus on getting the right mix of diverse board members. Ensure board members understand the needs and aspirations of the communities you serve.

Think about the long-term goals of your organisation and the implications of current decisions for your community in the future.

Make sure you have a good Chair. A good Chair should make sure meetings are productive and all board members contribute.