Our Services.
Our services enable boards to embed continuous development and improvement into normal board routines
But it's not easy. Most boards are reactive, not proactive, regarding their challenges because directors are time-poor or, tragically, rely on past successes or are happy with the status quo. Our Board Learning methodology works with these constraints and quietly transforms the boards by changing the board’s DNA, how it works.
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BOARD EVALUATIONS
Assessing what needs to be developed.
If you want to develop your board or accelerate your board's learning/development, then an assessment of what the board needs to develop is a good starting point.
Board Evaluation: The Board Torque Report
The output of this board evaluation is a board discussion document that suggests priorities for learning/development.
Each board member takes an online questionnaire. Priorities for development are formed using weightings based on a risk analysis methodology and indicate which would be the greatest benefit to board effectiveness when addressed.
Implementing the prioritized items into the board using the BTS "Board Learning" methodology is time-efficient and effective. The Board Torque Report can be used in conjunction with a facilitated one-day board development workshop.
Some of the prioritised items may be board learning practices, that when embedded enable the board to continuously learn/develop itself.
“Board Torque” is the ability of a board to continually develop itself and its effectiveness. This board evaluation provides an effectiveness rating that can be benchmarked.
Thinking Intentions Profile (TIP)
TIP is an internationally-recognized tool used by boards worldwide to develop decision-making effectiveness. BTS are licensed facilitators of TIP.
Decision-making is loaded with financial, strategic, and relational implications, acutely so in family-owned businesses. The TIP evaluation is a unique tool that makes visible what is normally hidden – the inner drives which shape thought and decision-making. There are 21 essential drives or "Thinking-Intentions" that effective boards can then access by choice. Therefore, TIP enables boards to bring appropriate thought diversity to the table.
The TIP tool is accessed with an online questionnaire. It allows boards to gain valuable insights into their thinking styles, preferences, and biases, helping them make better collective decisions by bringing diverse perspectives to the boardroom.
Additionally, thinking intentions profiling can foster greater self-awareness and personal growth, allowing directors to develop their skills and knowledge in areas they may have previously lacked. This can lead to improved board dynamics, increased trust and respect, and ultimately better outcomes for the entity.
02
WORKSHOPS
Embarking on board development
One-Day Board Development Workshop
Single-day board development training with post-workshop support as needed.
BTS runs one-day workshops for a board or groups of boards focused on introducing boards to board learning, the learning/development practices that enable boards to embed continuous improvement and evolution.
Typically, workshops are preceded by a Board Evaluation as a board discussion document that provides a platform for each board to develop a learning/development plan and prioritize learning/development needs.
Workshops are designed with the needs of the boards in mind, and often include learning about key governance concepts and the full range of governance practices required by boards.
“We engaged Peter to provide governance training in a one-day workshop. It was a very thought-provoking time, and one that was of great encouragement and help to all board members. There was much to implement, which we have slowly been doing with the assistance of our board development co-ordinator and Peter.
The training is relevant for governance in both for-purpose and for-profit boards. Peter's ability to apply the training in our context was invaluable."
B. Stormer, New Zealand
Decision-Making Workshop - Using the Thinking Intentions Profile (TIP)
Half-day board decision-making training with post-workshop support as needed.
The Decision-Making Workshop explores how people think and seeks to improve the effectiveness of your board by encouraging thought diversity – that is, different ways of thinking.
Prior to this one-day workshop, we invite each participant to take an online Thinking Intentions Profile (TIP) assessment. Individual TIP reports are given to participants at the workshop, allowing them to locate themselves within the thinking profiles. The workshop builds on these individualized profiles and looks at how your board can access thought diversity.
Once in the workshop, participants select several real-life decisions they are currently facing. They then begin working on this decision, immediately applying principles, as they learn them. This workshop is ideal for family boards that don't use external advisors on their board, because the workshop shows how they themselves can bring the thought diversity needed to make better decisions.
03
RURAL GOVERNANCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
10-Month Board Development Programme
Multi-day board development training with support.
DairyNZ has partnered with Business Torque Systems Ltd to deliver the Rural Governance Development Programme. The programme is open to all types of rural businesses— not just dairy farms —so if you are part of a rural business, we would love to include you in a programme.
The Rural Governance Development Programme has produced excellent results—previous participants show a 29% average increase in overall governance capability.
The programme involves five days of workshops spread over 10 months, in groups restricted to 12 participants.
Course Starting Dates:
Taupo
Days 1 and 2: 9-10 July 2024
Christchurch
Days 1 and 2: 2-3 July 2024
Apply Now…
04
BOARD ADVICE & SUPPORT
Tailored board development support
Board Meetings
Bringing a BTS advisor into your board meetings helps your board learn and establish new practices quickly. The starting place is always what the board wants to achieve or become. Increasing board effectiveness is usually the pathway. The advisor may recommend using a Board Evaluation to help establish learning and development priorities, and then introduce these into board meetings progressively. The advisor will have finished their work when the board is confidently using the board learning practices to navigate their required changes and evolution.
"Sustainable growth within an organization depends on the rate of learning exceeding the rate of change."
Reg Revans – Father of Action Learning.
Board Advice
Business Torque Systems offers expert advice to boards. This might be helpful if you are considering any of the following questions:
How do we embed learning/development practices into our board?
How do we separate governance from management?
When should we use independent directors?
How many board members do we need?
How do we make the board and CEO work together more effectively?
What should we be looking for in a Chairperson?
Are people who give advice to boards deemed to be directors?
How does a director drive an organization forward whilst maintaining prudent control?
How do we work out a purpose and strategy?
What our clients say
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"The governance course made us look very hard at what we were doing, and changes we needed to make. We would strongly recommend this course to anyone wanting to develop their governance."
J & A Lanauze, New Zealand
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"We now have a good understanding of governance. The course has given us a clear understanding of what our obligations and responsibilities are. Applying what we are learning on the course to our business, we have the opportunity to step up in the running of the business. We've also set up an advisory board and a family charter, and we are currently setting some guiding policies that we will operate by."
M & T Schrider, New Zealand
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"We really enjoyed spending time discussing each others' governance evaluations and experiences. There was real value in taking our learnings and putting them into real-time experiences."
Glenn Jones, Waterton Agricultural, New Zealand
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"The course has been great to further my understanding of governance both how I can support boards and as a board member myself."
Travis Gordon, New Zealand
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"I loved the inclusive learning atmosphere, the great content and resources.
Maori Ahu Whenua Trust
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" We all learned so much and it's been interesting to see the growth in our board and meeting format."
2019 programme participant, New Zealand