Message from the President… Because January is a time when newly elected officials are being sworn in and assimilated with established boards, it is a good time for current board members to consider how they may help integrate new members in this transition. Here are several practical ways for boards to orient new members. • Provide an opportunity for them to meet with existing board members individually – preferably for an informal lunch or coffee. • Arrange for new board members to meet with the CEO to become informed about current and pending issues within the organization. • Introduce new members to department heads and key staff. New members need to know what staff members do and how they operate, so they may solve problems or get answers for their constituents This may also be a good time for a board to address the issue of good governance. • Help new members understand the public process. • Provide a means for board members to become well informed and be able to gather information in order to make informed decisions. Revisit where the board is going. • Sometime within the first quarter or second quarter, plan a goal setting session with the board, CEO and key staff. • Identify key issues and develop consensus. And finally, consider this book. • Carver Guide – Your Roles and Responsibilities as a Board Member by John Carver and Miriam Mayhew Carver Other books that I have recently enjoyed: - The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman - Nightfall by Nelson DeMille Watch this spot for future messages and insights… - Can you ever go back? - Are cities more than – drink, drive and flush? - Future job trends. - Why good governance is important. - Effective performance evaluations.