Become a highly effective board member.
Highly effective trustees are a prerequisite for a highly effective board. While the authority of a governing board lies in the collective action of its members, each individual trustee contributes toโor limitsโthe effectiveness of the board as a whole.
AGB developed the Principles of Trusteeship to help you become a more productive member of the board. Most governance resources focus on the responsibilities of the board, but these nine principles outline attitudes and actions each trustee should embody.
Browse below to learn more about each principle and access related resources, or click here to order the full guide.
UNDERSTAND
GOVERNANCE
PRINCIPLE 1โ
Embrace the full scope of
your responsibilities.
PRINCIPLE 2โ
Respect the difference between the
boardโs role and the administrationโs role.
PRINCIPLE 3โ
Be an ambassador for your institution
and higher education.
LEAD BY
EXAMPLE
PRINCIPLE 4โ
Conduct yourself with
impeccable integrity.
PRINCIPLE 5โ
Think independently
and act collectively.
PRINCIPLE 6โ
Champion justice, equity,
and inclusion.
THINK
STRATEGICALLY
PRINCIPLE 7โ
Learn about the mission, constituents,
culture, and context.
PRINCIPLE 8โ
Focus on what matters most to
long-term sustainability.
PRINCIPLE 9โ
Ask insightful questions and
listen with an open mind.
UNDERSTAND
GOVERNANCE
PRINCIPLE 1โ
Embrace the full scope of
your responsibilities.
PRINCIPLE 2โ
Respect the difference
between the boardโs role
and the administrationโs role.
PRINCIPLE 3โ
Be an ambassador for
your institution and
higher education.
LEAD BY
EXAMPLE
PRINCIPLE 4โ
Conduct yourself with
impeccable integrity.
PRINCIPLE 5โ
Think independently
and act collectively.
PRINCIPLE 6โ
Champion justice, equity,
and inclusion.
โ
THINK
STRATEGICALLY
PRINCIPLE 7โ
Learn about the mission,
constituents, culture,
and context.
PRINCIPLE 8โ
Focus on what matters
most to long-term
sustainability.
PRINCIPLE 9โ
Ask insightful questions and
listen with an open mind.
This guide conveys the essence of highly effective trusteeship in a concise, easy-to-use format. It defines the attitudes and actions of highly effective board members, and provides insight into three fundamental functions:
- Understand governance by embracing all of your responsibilities in a structure of shared leadership.
- Lead by example by upholding the highest standards of integrity.
- Think strategically by focusing on what matters most to the long-term success of the whole enterprise.