Culture of Inquiry: Healthy Debate in the Boardroom

This book explains how to create a culture of inquiry within the boardroom - one marked by mutual respect and constructive debate that leads to sound and shared decision making. It details how to develop an environment where board members solicit, acknowledge and respectfully listen to different points of view; where they seek more information, question assumptions, and challenge conclusions so that they may advocate for solutions based on analysis; and where board members are able to voice their concerns before reaching a collective decision, which, once made, is supported by the entire board. It includes tools for creating an environment of trust, for cultivating teamwork, for stimulating dialogue, and for sharing information. Written by one of the preeminent experts in nonprofit governance, this guide shows how to engage and energize board members and make better decisions.