If your board is using good governance principles, the members will strive to make sure conversation stays on a board level and does not digress to irrelevant subjects or staff level topics. As real issues arise, it's not always easy to differentiate ends from means. Like moths drawn to light bulbs, some board members are instinctively drawn to staff-level issues. Hand signals can help keep the board on track.

Cut out a small red stop sign on card stock. You can add a question such as, “Are we sure we should be discussing this as a board?” Or, “Should we really be using our time discussing this issue?” Whenever someone starts taking the board off track, anyone can hold up their sign. Another simple technique is to hold up your hands in a “T” like the timeout signal in basketball. Conversation immediately stops until the board can agree that this is an issue they should be discussing. This is especially effective for boards with CEOs who keep pulling them into ministry issues that are far too detailed.

In any organization working hard at being more disciplined in their deliberations, no board member will want to be embarrassed by getting the timeout signal. Peer pressure is a powerful motivator for board members too.

James C. Galvin , president of Galvin & Associates in Winfield , IL , is an organizational consultant dedicated to helping faith-based nonprofits achieve breakthrough. Visit his website at www.galvinandassociates.com or contact him directly at [email protected] .