BUILDING BRIGHTER
Shaping our Board’s Engagement through the CEDS Process
BUILDING BRIGHTER
Shaping our Board’s Engagement through the CEDS Process
Session One Overview
During our March board meeting, we broke into small groups, and each person shared a story about a
Bright Spot experience with a team where they were energized and engaged, their gifts and talents were utilized, and they got great things done together.
Through lively dialogue, each group uncovered valuable lessons from the stories by unpacking the context
and clarifying the specific behaviors, mindsets, and processes that differentiate Bright Spot experiences
from the "norm." We will keep these insights central as we design our board engagement process and ask that you look for ways to put them into action in our ongoing work.
HERE ARE THE KEY SHIFTS YOU IDENTIFIED THAT ARE NECESSARY
TO MOVE FROM THE NORM TO A BRIGHT SPOT SUCCESS.
BUILDING BRIGHTER
Shaping Our Board’s Engagement & Strategic Direction
FROM
ANALYSIS
PARALYSIS
LEARN AS
YOU GO
TO
FROM
LOTS OF TALK
& NO ACTION
A COMMITTED
GROUP OF PEOPLE
THAT GET
THINGS DONE
TO
FROM
TOP DOWN
APPROACH
INCLUSIVE,
HIGHLY
PARTICIPATORY
PROCESS
TO
FROM
SILOS
SYNERGY
TO
FROM
INDIVIDUAL AGENDAS &
TURF WARS
BREAKTHROUGH
BARRIERS TO FIND COMMON GROUND
TO
FROM
LACK OF
FOLLOW-THROUGH
COMPASSIONATE
ACCOUNTABILITY.
DEFINED ROLES,
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
TO
FROM
TRANSACTIONAL
RELATIONSHIPS
TRANSFORMATIVE
PARTNERSHIPS
TO
FROM
CHOOSE COMFORT
& THE STATUS QUO
CURIOSITY
&
EXPLORATION
TO
CURIOSITY
AND
EXPLORATION
FROM
UNCLEAR
MISSION
TO
CLEAR EXPECTATION
OF WHAT A WIN IS
5
Bright Spot Differentiators
TOP
-
Aligned vision and shared goals
-
Invested in building strong, trusting relationships
-
Passionate, committed, and highly qualified individuals
-
Culture of curiosity, inclusivity, and active listening
-
Nimble, adaptive, small groups get the most done
"A cross-functional group of community leaders aligned to a common goal."
- Marcelo Morales
"One-on-one relationships strengthen the operations of the larger group. Strong relationships help the board to find common ground,
to work on tougher issues together, and to also uncover gifts each person brings to the group."
- Michelle Hege
"Personal relationships make people more accountable, smaller groups allow for a higher level of accountability."
- Jeff Johnson
WE DON'T WANT THE GSI BOARD TO FIT THE NORM.
We want you to be
ENERGIZED and ENGAGED,
because your GIFTS and TALENTS are UTILIZED,
so we can get GREAT THINGS done together!
Let's help build our
ECONOMIC GROWTH ROADMAP
THROUGH THE CEDS PROCESS
"The CEDS process is a complex, adaptive process that requires the Board to operate at a high leadership level. Your involvement is key to shaping the community vision, championing curiosity, and elevating the conversation. As board members, we ask you to wear multiple work leadership “hats” through this engagement. Including that of your organization, as a GSI board member, a community leader, and let’s not forget your individual hat. We are asking you to put all of them on as you advocate for the importance of the process, drive curiosity, challenge assumptions, and proactively invite new and diverse voices to the table."
- Alisha Benson, CEO of Greater Spokane Inc.
SLIDE 1/8
SPOKANE'S REGIONAL
CEDS PROCESS
— COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY—
RESOURCES
Click the images to learn more.
