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A: |
A Policy Governance Academy
graduate might by helpful but isn't required. There are three factors
that you should consider when selecting a consultant to help with
implementing Policy Governance. You need a consultant with a minimal
level of skill in each of the three, not just one.
- First, does the
consultant understand and have experience with Policy Governance.
The Academy is one way of receiving an acceptable level of knowledge but
it is certainly not the only way. In some ways the Academy only
assures that there is a minimal level of knowledge and experience.
- Second, does the
consultant have experience in group processes. Boards are groups and
the better the consultant's skill in group process the better the results
will be.
- Third, does the
consultant have experience in training and education. Effective
Policy Governance consultation requires more than just a knowledge about
Policy Governance but an ability to impart that knowledge to others in an
effective way.
A caution about Academy
graduates: in some ways Policy Governance has taken on the precepts of
a religion, with its priests being Academy graduates. Board members
are often approached as either being one of the faithful or one of the
sinners, with little room in between. There are better approaches than
what the Academy seems to promote. (See
A kinder, gentler approach to Policy Governance training)
It is not enough to have
gone through the Academy, and it actually may work against helping a board
implement Policy Governance. Going through the Academy does not assure
that someone is presenting pure Policy Governance. Partly, because
there is no clear definition of what pure Policy Governance is. The
point isn't to exclude Policy Governance Academy graduates but rather to
include all those that meet the three criteria. (For
possible consultants, visit the Web Directory and search for
Training/Consultants) |