The Board Member's Playbook: Using Policy Governance to Solve Problems, Make Decisions, and Build a Stronger Board (J-B Carver Board Governance Series) [Paperback]

Miriam Carver (Author), Bill Charney (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0787968404 | ISBN-13: 978-0787968403 | Publication Date: January 30, 2004

The Board Member's Playbook--written for board members who are either familiar with or new to John Carver's revolutionary Policy Governance model--offers real-world scenarios that address the challenges that confront boards of all types of organizations. Step by step, the authors walk readers through a proven problem-solving sequence that allows them to find solutions consistent with the values and policies of their organizations. Designed to be flexible, the book's problem-solving methods are applicable to any challenge boards may face.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

“For me, the value in this book lies in its very concrete, step-by-step counsel to boards about how to capitalize on the idea of practice. The prescriptions Miriam and Bill so logically lay out are consistent with and built firmly on good theory, to be sure, and that is why the practical part is so, well--practical.”
—John Carver

“The book is like having your own personal trainer by your side, pushing you to do your best while keeping you from hurting yourself or others. If you are serious and disciplined about moving from being an amateur to becoming professional and competent, The Playbook is indispensable.”
—Jim Weigel, chair, Adams County District 12 Schools, Colorado

“See what happens when real life problems hit the Policy Governance board’s agenda, and ponder the difference to traditional practice. I guarantee you will be amazed.”
—Caroline Oliver, chair, International Policy Governance Association

“While few writers succeed even in demonstrating a coherent governing theory, these two writers have succeeded in giving their readers the best there is in theory and practice.”
—Jan Maas, Maas Governance, Harmelen, The Netherlands

From the Back Cover

All teams–including boards–must practice if they are to achieve peak performance. And because they are accountable for the organizations they govern, it is vital for board teams to practice the skills they need to lead effectively.

The Board Member’s Playbook–written for board members both familiar with and new to John Carver’s revolutionary Policy Governance model–offers real-world scenarios that address the challenges that confront boards of all types of organizations. Step by step, the authors walk readers through a proven problem-solving sequence that allows them to find solutions consistent with the values and policies of their organizations. Designed to be flexible, the book’s problem-solving methods are applicable to any challenge boards may face.

By completing the rehearsal exercises, participants will sharpen their problem-solving skills and become more responsible board members. The exercises will help readers learn to better conduct regular business, make major decisions, set policy, deal with crises, and act as responsible stewards of the organizations they serve.

Praise for The Board Member’s Playbook

"For me, the value in this book lies in its very concrete, step-by-step counsel to boards about how to capitalize on the idea of practice. The prescriptions Miriam and Bill so logically lay out are consistent with and built firmly on good theory, to be sure, and that is why the practical part is so, well–practical."
–John Carver

"The book is like having your own personal trainer by your side, pushing you to do your best while keeping you from hurting yourself or others. If you are serious and disciplined about moving from being an amateur to becoming professional and competent, the Playbook is indispensable."
–Jim Weigel, chair, Adams County District 12 Schools, Colorado

"See what happens when real life problems hit the Policy Governance board’s agenda, and ponder the difference to traditional practice. I guarantee you will be amazed."
–Caroline Oliver, chair, International Policy Governance Association

"While few writers succeed even in demonstrating a coherent governing theory, these two writers have succeeded in giving their readers the best there is in theory and practice."
–Jan Maas, Maas Governance, Harmelen, The Netherlands

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass (January 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787968404
• ISBN-13: 978-0787968403
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #720,180 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practice Makes Perfect, February 8, 2005

By 

Richard D. Simon Jr. (Walla Walla) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Board Member's Playbook: Using Policy Governance to Solve Problems, Make Decisions, and Build a Stronger Board (J-B Carver Board Governance Series) (Paperback)

This is an incredibly useful addition to Carver's Policy Governance Model because it provides practical structure to "rehearsing" common Board-Staff-Owner scenarios with concrete examples. There are hundreds of books on non-profit governance but the vast majority just seem to dabble in detail and pop-psychology (unworkable concepts of "shared governance", etc); but the Carver model provides a unique, practical, and internally consistent method of governance. I'd certainly recommend highly all of his books. This one, written by Miriam Carver and Bill Charney, provides practical exercises demonstrating how the Carver model would handle problems Boards face regularly such as: Do Board members have authority over employees?; Should Board members with expertise oversee programs?; Does the Board job include fundraising?; We like and trust our CEO - isn't that governance?; What if the CEO lies?

It's amazing to me that "rehearsal" plays a role in virtually every profession (musicians, lawyers - in mock trials during law school, teachers - with student teaching, MD's - with simulated emergencies, etc), yet Board members don't rehearse. No wonder performance isn't always optimal. This book is invaluable. It not only suggests that Board's spend time, preferrably at each meeting, rehearsing governance issues but it also provides a practical approach loaded with wonderful examples. Worksheets are included as are the author's suggested "generic" solutions.

Every Board using the Carver Policy Governance Model should have this volume. I can't recommend it highly enough!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Welcomed Addition, March 11, 2004

By 

david ball (Colorado Springs, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Board Member's Playbook: Using Policy Governance to Solve Problems, Make Decisions, and Build a Stronger Board (J-B Carver Board Governance Series) (Paperback)

A welcomed addition to the "Policy Governance" corpus, "A Board Member's Playbook" provides a clear, concise and easily useable framework for Board practice. Complete with worksheets and an CD Rom, the book helps policy governance Boards work through simulated issues, forming a bridge between the theory of policy governance and its practical application.

4.0 out of 5 stars Beneficial Tool, April 12, 2011

By 

Mark Williams - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Board Member's Playbook: Using Policy Governance to Solve Problems, Make Decisions, and Build a Stronger Board (J-B Carver Board Governance Series) (Paperback)

For those conversant with John Carver's Governance approach, this "Playbook" is beneficial in keeping veterans and newcomers to a board focused on their role. One board I am involved with sets aside time every other meeting to review one or two "plays". We also use this as part of our introduction to new board members.