When I first met the Tierra Village Board of Directors and staff, their hearts were in the right place. Unknowingly however, they were at the threshold of a significant organizational change. The associated challenges were characterized by role confusion, pesonality conflicts, and miscommunication.
I consulted with them for 18-months to help them better understand the issues they faced and how they could successfully address them. To get started, I conducted an organizational assessment. Feedback from the interviews of board, staff, and their community clarified that Tierra Village needed to transition from its founding stage to a more mature position of growth and development. To do that, they needed a Board of Directors who were locally based and had time and energy for hands-on support. They also needed a more robust administrative structure and a strategic framework that would drive them towards a thriving future.
To learn more about Tierra Village solutions, read the case study.
One of the most significant changes occurred when the Board shelved the Policy Governance model for a Best Practice model. Tierra Village needed a board who could roll up their sleeves and get things done. However, the Policy Governance structure they had in place kept the Board at arm’s length and feeling disconnected from the organization. The Board realized they could keep the best parts of Policy Governance (the policies), and follow their intuitive wisdom to make the needed changes so they could become the Board they truly wanted to be.
Advent of New Leadership
Gracie Close, Founder / Board Chair
I conducted the search for the new Executive Director while providing coaching support to the departing Executive Director. The founding executive gracefully continued in her position until the new leader was hired. The founding Board Chair took an active role in recruiting new board members and then shifted to advisory status.
Catherine Kilty, current Executive Director, stepped into her role with a revitalized Board, a clear pathway to the future, and an organization prepared for her arrival. She continues to propel the organization forward.
Want to hire the best leader,
rather than the best interviewer? [Read more…]
I very much enjoyed my work with the Board of Tierra Village. Because I worked with them over a period of time, I could help the needed changes establish strong roots.
- Is there ‘something afoot’ at your organization, but you’re not sure what it is?
- Are you facing or are you in the middle of a leadership transition?
- Do you need some help with succession planning?
Perhaps I can help. Give me a call at (425) 488-7747, or send me an email.
