Case Studies

Board Restructuring

Executive Management Systems helped a for-profit enterprise downsize its board from 27 members to 11. The six-week process included:

• Fully engaging board members in dialogue about effective meeting dynamics, effective board governance, and key issues in restructuring the board – through three assessments and two meetings
• Utilizing two custom Internet-based assessments to leverage board insights
• Exploring effective board room dynamics through a third online assessment

The process concluded with a successful restructuring to an 11-member board.

Results:

"Executive Management Systems provides a good blend of resources and does a good job of marrying these concepts into a local setting and linking them to our issues. Executive Management Systems’ preparation for board sessions is excellent. Mel draws out the issues by getting people to participate, helping the group focus and keeping things moving."
– Board Chairperson

"Executive Management Systems was able to surface and explain key issues in board function in a non-judgmental way. It was done very well. We achieved a transparency by getting discussion out in the open. It was eye-opening. Everyone had a say."
– Board Secretary

"I was very pleased with the way the board responded to Executive Management Systems’ discussion with the board and the way the board grasped the concepts. This process opened new avenues of thinking and new ways of approaching things. The definition of management responsibilities versus board responsibilities was very helpful. One thing really stood out: Mel listens intently then leads the discussion through to a summary which makes a conclusion where no one opinion stands out."
– Board Member