.:. Zalkin Training and Development .:.

The process of self-assessment of a nonprofit board is, in itself, a process of organizational self-discovery. It turns out to be a discussion of the future and how your nonprofit will shape it. It has been called an emotional adventure because minds and hearts are always involved.

One option is a computerized process, called BOLSA, that is distributed entirely through internet. It should be completed about 7 weeks prior to a board data feedback retreat. This internet-based report has several significant benefits including:

Speed-The software quickly complies and tabulates the results. Your organization can begin to take action immediately following the feedback session.
Increased Participation- All board members are given an easy way to share their candid views of your board’s operation.
Reasonable Price-There is a fixed price regardless of the number of participants.
Anonymity-Board members are guaranteed that one in the organization has access to the responses of the individual board members at any time during or after the process. The results are tabulated and provided in an aggregate form to ensure honest responses from the participants and confidence in the process. All written comments will be included in the final feedback report.
Removing the potential for any human error, which can sometimes happen when manually entering another person’s responses, ensures accuracy-Accuracy.
Convenience- The process is conducted completely online. No papers to replace. Your board members can work on this self-assessment whenever they want and wherever they want. It is not necessary to complete it at one time. Printed copies of the tool are available, for a fee, for any board member unable to take the assessment online.
Customization- All organization has the option to add a logo and up to 12 additional customized questions (1 question in each section + logo.)

Another optional tool is Peter Drucker’s Self-Assessment Instrument. This board assessment tool is designed to guide and focus this process with the incorporation of Peter Drucker’s well-known five famous questions:

This tool asks your board to look outside the current organization to opportunities and to what your customer (member) really values. Your board will also look inside to your organization’s mission and to what must be done to achieve the results.

Call or email the office for more specific information on the assessment process.