These days, finding an organizational board that actually governs can be as rare as finding a needle in a haystack. In our mismanaged culture, it may seem that the chances of serving on an effective board are extremely low. But good governance has nothing to do with luck! Anyone who has served on a functioning board knows that good governance is a skill that must be learned—it doesn't come naturally, and it certainly doesn't come to those who only wish for it.
John Carver's Policy Governance® model for board leadership has a proven track record of transforming reactive and inefficient boards into future-oriented and empowering policy makers. Clearly, the best way to learn this model is to go to the source and visit the Carver Academy in Atlanta. However, this article serves to introduce you to several key aspects of Policy Governance® to help equip you with the knowledge you need to begin to govern your organization effectively.