This month’s discussion on race and equity is causing both businesses and individuals to pause, examine, and assess their policies, systems, and assumptions that may be unintentionally supporting the current status quo. As associations and nonprofit organizations approach this topic with open eyes and ears, it is appropriate to consider the diversity and inclusivity of their leadership. Diversity of race and perspective can be beneficial to governance in many ways, and adding diversity can be an important step in serving members, meeting the mission, and increasing and maintaining growth.
How Does Diversity Affect Governance?
The quality of governance within your organization depends on board members’ collective ability to make decisions. While homogeneity might lead to greater agreement and consensus, a narrow perspective within that collective limits the scope and creativity of your programs, outreach and governance structures.
Adding different perspectives from diverse backgrounds and experiences will broaden a board’s ability to perform their functions effectively, contributing new thoughts, experiences, skills, and expertise to the mix. This will lead to good decision making and add to an organization’s resilience and fortitude.
Diversity includes race, but can be applied to gender, professional experience, perspective, and ideas. The current rate of diversity on corporate boards and in most membership organizations does not reflect the overall population or membership, but it can increase with intention and effort. If you are interested in putting in that effort, we at Sage & Rosemary Consulting are here to help. Contact us today and commit to a more diverse governance perspective.