Have directors sign ethical conduct agreements, and keep to
them.
Spend time on building good relations on the board. The board
makes decisions together so get to know your fellow directors and
what makes them tick.
Have good, well-chaired board meetings where things get done.
That's where you'll do most of your work as directors, so make
board meetings count.
Make sure you have sound management-good governance depends on
it.
Listen to different views on the board, even if you don't agree
with them. Once the board makes a decision, support it.
Know your role. The directors have authority only as a
governing body, acting together, not as roaming co-op police.
Plan your business cycle. Know ahead of time what you want to
get done in the coming 12 months.
Act according to established by-laws/rules and policies; don't
make it up as you go along. If you find some policies aren't
working you can propose new ones to the members.
Hold members' meetings regularly, but not more often than you
really need. Don't waste your members' time.
If you have committees, make sure they know what their roles
are. Committees are advisory. Unlike the board, they don't have the
authority to make decisions.