b'DAYTODAYRIPPLESPenny KievetWhos on First? Whats on Second? Clear the confusion with policy governanceT he comedy team of Abbott and Costello are The executive limitations approach to delega-best known for their Whos on First? rou- tion is seen as empowering the CEO/ED.tine. The sketch illustrates what confusion Boards are future-focused.looks like, and I couldnt help but compare that The board speaks with one voice.confusion with what often comes from how tradi-tional nonprofit boards function. The clarity of Preparing the board monitoring reports board and CEO/Executive Director (ED) roles canensures that the CEO/ED is well informed best be seen as we look at a few of the benefits fromabout key aspects of the organization.creating a governing board richly focused on policy.Written policies allow the board to avoid redundant conversations. Board decisions are policy decisions. The organization can be more successful because it has a stable, high-functioning board that knows its job and has a clear, accountable relationship with the CEO/ED.When asked about the benefits of policy gover-nance as a result of Citygate Networks Ripple Effect, Amy Lyon, executive director at the New Life Mission in Melbourne, Florida, simply said, Clarity and freedom. She continued, Some benefits of policy governance: There is no longer a murky middle where IBusy and experienced people like the clearwonder if I should be making this decision or expectations and structure of policy governanceshould I run it through the board. By having and are more likely to join your board. clear roles, we are freed up to excel in our areas of strength. The board is less likely to burn outThe roles of the board in governance and offrom being in the weeds of day-to-day opera-the CEO/ED in management are clarifiedtions, and Im less likely to burn out from (ends v. means).having 12 bosses giving me feedback fromThe model avoids two board flaws: micro- 12 different viewpoints. The board now acts management and rubber-stamping. as one collective voice.Penny is a retired CEO/ED from The outcomes that the organization wantsWhos on your third base? If that gets an City Rescue Mission in Jack to achieve are clearly stated which leads toI dont know, please plan on joining us for our sonville, Florida. She has served on many boards and has partici understanding what makes for successfulnext Ripple Effect program, October 1920, pated as a Ripple Effect coachorganizational performance. through Zoom. I hope to see you there. \x03and facilitator since 2020. 50 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG JULY/AUGUST 2023'