Design
Aligning on
a Future Vision
Whether changes are large or small, we help you figure out a better way
What You See
The Shoe That No Longer Fits
Structures often outlast the reasons they were created.
By-laws that were written decades ago when governance looked different and the world was less complex. Committee mandates that overlap or leave gaps. Reporting lines that reflect old relationships rather than management accountability. Lack of clarity on what members actually want. Policies that have not been updated in a decade.
Boards inherit these structures and rarely have the mandate, time, or independent perspective to redesign them.
The result is a governance model that technically works, but quietly gets in the way
What we Do
We Go Where You Are Headed
Not a generic best-practice template — we work with you to envision a new governance model, policy framework or new accountability structure that is shaped around your actual mission, strategy, and stakeholders. As they are today, and for what the board actually expects.
That provides a big picture perspective of where the organization is headed in its governance or strategy, alignment on where you are going and the changes to be made.
EXAMPLES
Design,
in practice
Design activities take many forms: visioning workshops, strategic planning and other strategic discussions, that are forward-looking, take the external context into account, and challenge your assumptions.
These are real examples of our work, anonymized.
1)
A comprehensive governance framework for a national professional examining board committed to modernization.
2)
A new governance model and board playbook for a provincial non-profit moving from hands-on to a governing board overseeing a staff of 30.
3)
An enterprise risk management program for multi-billion dollar corporation seeking to embed leading practices across its businesses.
4)
A strategic plan for an employee-owned engineering firm seeking continued growth and long-term stability.
5)
A policy management framework for a national non-profit that sought greater compliance, effectiveness and efficiency in its operational policies.
6)
A program design for a provincial organization accountable for delivering a large government program in the community.
7)
A new model of governance and assessment of options, for a federal government agency.
Some examples of our work
These project descriptions are intended to give you an idea of how we work – no confidential information is ever disclosed.
DESIGN - Non-profit organization
Governance Playbook and Strategic Design
An operating board wanted to support a high-performing CEO and transition to a governing board, but it wasn’t sure exactly how.