The Importance of Self-Management for Board Actions

A well-functioning board relies on its members to be accountable and proactive in fulfilling their responsibilities. This is particularly true when it comes to action items arising from board meetings. While board management software can facilitate tracking and reminders, ultimately, the onus is on individual action owners to practice effective self-management.

Here's why self-management is crucial for board action owners and how to cultivate this essential skill:

Why Self-Management Matters:

• Ensures Timely Completion: When individuals take ownership of their assigned tasks and manage their time effectively, action items are more likely to be completed on schedule.
• Reduces Administrative Burden: Proactive self-management reduces the need for constant follow-up from board chairs or administrators, freeing up valuable time and resources.
• Improves Board Efficiency: When action items are handled efficiently, the board can move forward more quickly and focus on strategic priorities.
• Fosters Accountability: Self-management demonstrates a commitment to fulfilling one's responsibilities and contributes to a culture of accountability within the board.
• Enhances Personal Effectiveness: Strong self-management skills are valuable not only for board service but also for professional and personal success.

How to Practice Effective Self-Management as a Board Action Owner:

1. Understand Your Responsibilities: Clearly understand the scope of the action item, the expected outcome, and the deadline.
2. Break Down the Task: Divide the action item into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes it less daunting and easier to track progress.
3. Prioritize and Plan: Prioritize your tasks based on importance and urgency. Create a plan for how you will allocate your time and resources to complete the action item.
4. Utilize Technology: Leverage tools like Boardly to track your assigned actions, set reminders, and manage deadlines. Its intuitive interface and automated notifications can significantly aid in self-management.
5. Communicate Proactively: Keep the board and other relevant stakeholders informed of your progress. If you encounter any challenges or delays, communicate them promptly.
6. Seek Clarification When Needed: Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you are unsure about any aspect of the action item.
7. Reflect and Learn: After completing an action item, take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Use this feedback to refine your self-management skills.

Supporting Self-Management for Board Members

Boardly's board management platform provides tools that empower board action owners to manage their responsibilities effectively. With features like personalized task lists, automated reminders, and progress tracking, Boardly helps individuals stay organized, prioritize their work, and meet deadlines without the need for constant oversight.