I asked what quietly undermines advisory boards and councils. Here’s what you said.

Advisory Councils

Oct 15

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Nearly half of you pointed to the same thing.

I asked what quietly undermines advisory councils/boards most often. The top two answers landed at opposite ends: one before the first meeting, one after the last.

Swipe through the results, and a few thoughts on what may sit behind them.

I'd value your read.

Slide 1 of 6. LUCEN Perspectives, Advisory Boards That Matter. I asked what quietly undermines advisory boards and councils. Here’s what you said. Poll results, 19 responses. A clear perspective changes everything.

Slide 2 of 6. The results: nearly half pointed to the same thing. Feedback, but no action: 9. No mission or metrics: 7. Agenda tilts toward sales: 3. Members left out of the loop: 0. Together, the top two drew 16 of 19 votes. 19 responses, not counting my own vote.

Slide 3 of 6. What it tells us: the top two sit at opposite ends. At the start: no mission or metrics, no one defined what success looks like. After the meeting: feedback, but no action, nothing visibly changed. Both may come down to what members can see.

Slide 4 of 6. The leading answer: no action, or no visible action? In my experience, the work is often happening. Members just can’t see it, so the provider rarely gets the credit. Three things that tend to go unsaid: 1. What was heard. 2. What is changing, and when. 3. What is delayed, and why. It’s rarely neglect. It just feels obvious.

Slide 5 of 6. The second answer: either way, the goal belongs in the room. In my experience, many providers do have goals and metrics for their boards. They tend to stay internal. If the goals exist, share them. Members can only help with what they can see, and it shows them what their time is for. If they don’t, define them. Without success criteria, a board can’t show what it changed, and eventually can’t justify its funding. A shared goal gives members a target.

Slide 6 of 6. Your turn: which end is closer to home? If a short self-check on both would be useful, message me and I’ll send it. Barbara Lewis, Founder | Principal, LUCEN Perspectives. lucenco.com. A clear perspective changes everything.

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Advisory CouncilsPoll ResultsMission and MetricsAction

I asked what quietly undermines advisory boards and councils. Here’s what you said.

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barbara@lucenco.com