What Are Your Board Meetings Held?

I enjoy it most when the board rotates the venue to include visits to our operations. This approach complements the high-level strategic discussions that occur in traditional board meetings, leading to more effective governance and a stronger, more resilient organization.

Recently, my WWF board visited the Jura Mountains, the sub-alpine mountains along the Swiss-French border, to learn about WWF Switzerland’s work in managing the coexistence between humans and wolves.

For much of the 20th century, Europe was virtually wolf-free. In the 1990s, the wolves returned to the Alps. Ecologically, this is a positive development for biodiversity and ecosystem health. However, it also poses economic and social challenges, particularly for farmers and local communities.

The wolves made international news during the Swiss referendum on culling wolves. From what I read, there were divisive views between farmers and environmental groups.

During the visit, I was pleased to learn that the activities on the ground were less divisive. I was impressed by the level of dialogue between local governments, farmers, shepherds, and environmental groups to find community-based solutions. This positive approach created community collaboration supported by a large number of volunteers to trial solutions.

In summary, the benefits of board site visits are:

1. Balancing Theory and Practice: Ensures that the theoretical knowledge gained in board meetings is balanced with practical insights from the ground.

2. Ground-Level Insights: Allows board members to see firsthand how the organization functions and make more informed decisions by understanding the day-to-day challenges and opportunities faced by the organization.

3. Building Trust and Relationships: Employees often feel valued and motivated when they see board members taking an interest in their work. Direct interaction with employees at various levels can provide insights into the company culture and employee satisfaction