The 10
Policy Governance principles

 

A smarter way to lead
Policy Governance helps boards lead with clarity, focus, and impact. These 10 principles ensure the board governs strategically, the CEO leads effectively, and the organization delivers results.
 

1. Ownership: governing on behalf of others
A board doesn’t own the organization—it represents the interests of those who do. Its job is to govern on their behalf, making sure the organization serves its true purpose.

🔹 Leadership values: Stewardship, Accountability

🔹 Impact: Keeps the board focused on the bigger picture, ensuring decisions align with the organization’s real mission rather than personal preferences.

 

2. Speaking with one voice
Board members can debate freely in meetings, but once a decision is made, the board speaks with one voice. No mixed signals, no side conversations—clarity is key.

🔹 Leadership values: Unity, Strategic Alignment

🔹 Impact: Prevents confusion, builds trust, and gives the CEO clear direction to act on.


3. Ends: Defining the destination
The board’s most important job is defining why the organization exists, who it serves, and what difference it should make. Without this clarity, everything else is guesswork.

🔹 Leadership values: Vision, Focus

🔹 Impact: Ensures all efforts are aimed at creating real impact, rather than getting lost in daily operations.


4. Delegation through policy, not micromanagement
A board’s role is to set expectations, not manage the details. It provides broad policies that outline what must be achieved—then lets the CEO figure out how.

🔹 Leadership values: Trust, Empowerment

🔹 Impact: Creates clarity, giving the CEO the authority to lead while keeping the board focused on governance.

5. Clear boundaries: defining what’s off-limits
Boards don’t just say what should happen; they also define what must not happen—like breaking laws, overspending, or compromising ethics. These guardrails protect the organization.

🔹 Leadership values: Integrity, Risk Management

🔹 Impact: Prevents problems before they arise, ensuring responsible leadership and ethical decision-making.
 

 

6. Boards govern, CEOs manage
The board steers the ship, but it doesn’t row. Governance is about defining direction and oversight, not getting involved in operations—that’s the CEO’s job.

🔹 Leadership values: Role Clarity, Leadership Discipline

🔹 Impact: Reduces interference, allowing the CEO to lead effectively while the board stays strategic.
 

 

7. Monitoring: trust, but verify
The board must check that its expectations are being met, using clear performance measures. Trust is important—but accountability is non-negotiable.

🔹 Leadership values: Accountability, Transparency

🔹 Impact: Ensures the organization stays on track and delivers results, while giving the CEO clear, fair expectations.
 

 

8. Board discipline: playing by the rules
A board that ignores its own policies loses credibility. Governance only works if the board follows the rules it sets for itself.

🔹 Leadership values: Consistency, Integrity

🔹 Impact: Keeps governance strong and reliable, preventing distractions and inconsistency.
 

 

9. The Board’s own job: leading by example
A board must govern itself with the same discipline and accountability it expects from the CEO. That means clear roles, good decision-making, and responsible leadership.

🔹 Leadership values: Self-Governance, Ethical Leadership

🔹 Impact: Builds trust, ensuring the board operates effectively and sets the right leadership tone.
 

 

10. Strength in systems, not just people
Strong organizations don’t rely on individuals—they rely on clear governance systems that provide stability, no matter who is in charge.

🔹 Leadership values: Sustainability, Institutional Strength

🔹 Impact: Keeps the organization resilient and effective, even as leadership changes over time.

 

Strong Boards, Strong Organizations
Policy Governance isn’t about rules for the sake of rules—it’s about leading with clarity, focus, and purpose. When a board follows these principles, governance is strong, leadership is effective, and the organization thrives.

 

 

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The 10 principles presented on this page are based on the Policy Governance® model developed by John Carver. The wording has been adapted for clarity and accessibility. For the original formulation, visit www.governforimpact.org.