Regardless of what sector you work in, your board members are an invaluable asset to your business or organization. Whether acting as a sounding board, helping brainstorm new ideas and approaches, or coming up with possible solutions to a range of complex challenges, your board members bring their invaluable experience and expertise to help steer you towards success. And the stronger your board, the more resilient and successful your organization.
Business & Arts NL understands the power of a great board. That’s why we’re teaming up with the provincial chapter of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) for a very special (and fun!) event.
On April 12, we’ll host a “Directors’ Dilemma” online workshop to help teams engage in board training. Working their way through a scenario dreamed up by the local ICD team, participants will break into small groups and look at the challenges facing an up-and-coming Atlantic Canadian theatre company as they build their audience, look for a permanent home, and deal with a pandemic-related crisis. Presented with a case study, participants, acting as board members, will work together to recommend possible courses of action. The discussions will be guided by a moderator (Heather Wilson of the ICD, who developed and delivered a series of Directors’ Dilemma workshops across the country in 2019, and also writes the Directors’ Dilemma column for the Director Journal) and supported by a director (Carolann Harding, CEO of SmartICE, Chair of FoodFirst NL, Director on the Pinnguaq Board and Vice-Chair of the ICD NL Chapter Executive), who will provide additional insight on the board’s role.
“It’s a great way to learn from each other, learn about the various functions a board can play, and see firsthand the impact that different perspectives and skill sets can have on a board,” says Amy Henderson, Executive Director of Business & Arts NL.
Nonprofits in the arts and other sectors are encouraged to bring their board as a team training event (“It will make for a great conversation and might stimulate some growth as a board afterwards,” Henderson says). Young professionals and retirees who are considering joining an arts board and curious to know more are also encouraged to check out the session which, Henderson adds, also presents a great opportunity for members of the arts and business communities to work together and learn from each other.
“We’re doing this because we believe that boards can be immensely powerful contributors to the success of arts organizations. Boards have the potential to help an organization reach deep into the community, capitalize on the knowledge and skills of a team of supporters, and be strong and sustainable,” she says.
“We want to grow the conversation around how to build great boards, and how to recruit and keep great board members.”
What: Directors’ Dilemma Online Workshop
When: April 12 from 11:30am-1pm
Where: Online via Zoom
Registration Fee: $10/person
Register: Click here
