Through many years I have espoused principles to serve as platforms for board development. Sayings directors may ponder and hopefully remember include nuggets like, "Boards govern, and staff manage."

Here is a list of truisms I champion with association leaders:

General

1. Associations do what other people think just happens.
2. Failure is not an option (Apollo 13) — but be ready for "Houston, we have a problem."
3. Keep it simple (nobody has time to read a multipage report).
4. Be mission-driven and member-focused.
5. Brief is better — especially meetings, minutes and strategic goals.
6. An association should operate as efficiently as a franchise enterprise.
7. Savings should be sufficient to survive for at least six months.
8. Aim high; excellence is the target.
9. Develop sustainable systems of revenue, leadership and membership.
10. Members expect return on investment (ROI).
11. It's not your father's Buick — associations have evolved.
12. Mentorship is a right and responsibility.

Governance

13. Right-size the board to allow for meaningful conversations.
14. Boards govern, and staff manage.
15. Directors are stewards of the organization; leave it in better condition than you received it.
16. Reduce the bureaucracy developed over the years.
17. Knowledge-driven boards are smarter — avoid group think by relying on data and dashboards.
18. Committees make recommendations; boards make motions.
19. Committees have no authority to speak for or contract on behalf of the board.
20. Boards govern at 50,000 feet, committees work at 25,000-40,000 feet, and staff administer at 10,000 feet.
21. Directors should think beyond their term of office.
22. Envision the last month of the term; what does success look like?
23. Craft an agenda to produce results.
24. Use a consent agenda to reduce listening to and reading reports.
25. Preparation for board meetings begins when the agenda is received.
26. Board orientation is essential annually, whether they need it or not.
27. A "rainy day fund" serves minimal purpose if it is not used to protect and advance.
28. Board composition should reflect the community it represents.
29. Replace standing committees with task forces, strike forces and quick-action teams.
30. Committees should be an asset, not a liability wasting member and staff time.
31. It's not the lunch bunch or country club.
32. Accountability and transparency are the values members demand of a board.
33. The chief elected officer is the official spokesperson; he or she may delegate that authority, but nobody should usurp it.

Strategy

34. The strategic plan does not belong in a file drawer.
35. Embrace the community and share the strategic plan broadly.
36. The plan should answer WIIFM and ROI for members.
37. Every strategic goal should have at least one volunteer workforce (committee) aligned.
38. Significant outcomes, societal benefit and social responsibility are association responsibilities.