This discussion guide is meant to accompany the process for setting General Manager Compensation as set forth in documents in the Columinate library. Please discuss this process with your CBLD consultant to find an approach that works for your cooperative. This process is based on the CBLD Policy Template C2 - The Board’s Job. If your board has a different policy, be sure to follow the policy you have.
This discussion and process guide is meant to accompany other documents related to General Manager evaluation in the Columinate library. Please reference these documents, and confer with your CBLD consultant where appropriate to devise a system that works for your cooperative. This process is based on the CBLD Policy Template D4 - Evaluating the GM. If your board has a different policy, be sure to follow the policy you have.
A meeting packet should help directors prepare for the meeting. After reading the packet, a director should know what the meeting will be about and should have all the information necessary to fully participate in all discussions and to make any decisions that the board will make at the meeting. Establishing a rhythm and discipline in creating, distributing and reading meeting packets can help make the board meetings themselves that much more productive and enjoyable.
Many cooperatives, social justice organizations, and businesses have begun to directly confront their own role in the social systems that perpetuate racism and inequity. Boards of directors who use Policy Governance® should feel empowered to use their policy document to clarify their expectations around the work of dismantling systems of racism and oppression.
In the wake of COVID-19, our robust Cooperative Board Leadership Program shifted all of its trainings and events to virtual in 2020. As the pandemic continues, we're dedicated to continuing to safely provide our top notch education, trainings, and resources to our clients in 2021.
In the wake of the pandemic, the customary way of doing many things has been upended. For co-ops, the list of adaptations extends to how we engage with members, including our approach to the time-honored (and legally required) tradition of the annual meeting.
Download the CBL 101 Reader History, Principles, and Values “Cooperative Principles Updated,” by Ann Hoyt, available on p. 14 in the Reader. “Rochdale Pioneers and the Cooperative Principles,” by Brett Fairbairn. From The Meaning of Rochdale: the Rochdale Pioneers and the co-operative principles, (Canada: Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, University of Saskatchewan), 1994. Collective Courage: [...]
How can co-op operations leaders begin to be innovative about what it will take to manage finances wisely during and after the COVID-19 pandemic – whatever “after” will look like? No one can accurately predict what the future of the co-op grocery world will look like, but Columinate consultants are on the leading edge of figuring out what can stay the same and what [...]
How can a Board and individual directors support their GM during a pandemic (or other crises)? Most of what you will find here will be generally useful even in “normal” times. During times of great crisis, these guidelines become even more important. Stay steady. Continue with your existing board work plan and responsibilities -- except when it makes sense to make exceptions. Stay [...]
Articulating your co-op's value, supporting GM's, and hosting effective virtual meetings in the time of COVID-19 Good governance of your community co-op has never mattered more. During the shutdown, Columinate is offering a number of virtual trainings and resources to support boards of directors in their ongoing learning and development. These events will be hosted throughout the year, and over the next month, [...]
