How can you tell if you need to work on governance at your co-op? Take a moment to test yourself!

1. The board often changes its own decisions
   Because it is not taking care to make the right decision with the right information in the first place.
2. It seems like you have board meetings all the time
   Boards that are in turmoil or just plain inefficient find that they are constantly meeting, and still not getting results.
3. There is frequent conflict between board and management
   Which can mean they are stepping on each other's toes because their roles aren't clear.
4. It's hard to keep a full slate of directors
   Which can be a sign of a lot of problems, but it certainly means that being a director is neither inviting nor satisfying. It should be both.
5. The members do not trust the board
   The board is not open with the membership, or even-handed in its decisions.
6. You lose good staff
   A sure sign that there is a poor relationship between board and staff, and that working conditions are not good overall.
7. There is a change of direction every time a new board is elected
   Always a sign of personalities and politics coming before the board's duty to the well-being of the co-op.
8. You have directors that do not follow the co-op's by-laws/rules and policies
   How can directors talk about ethics when they are not leading by example?
9. Your board doesn't take advantage of training opportunities for directors
   You won't get governance right if your directors don't understand what is expected of them.
10. Members' meetings are like Question Period in the House of Commons
    Enough said! You have serious work to do if things are this bad!