Maximize Your Board's Capacity and Impact-Top 5 Board Characteristics Activity 1 and 2 (CCAF)

Pdf Summary

The CCA Foundation (CCAF) conducted a brainstorming and prioritization activity to determine the key cultural characteristics they aspire to embody. Participants were presented with a list of organizational culture traits and asked to select and rank their top five most important attributes for CCAF’s culture.<br /><br />The initial list included qualities such as 100% Commitment, Adaptability, Aligned Purpose, Authenticity, Collaboration, Effective Communication, Engagement, Graduate-Focused, Inclusive Thinking, Innovation, Psychological Safety, Smart Risk Taking, Social Responsibility, Strategy, Sustainability, Transparency, and Trustworthiness, among others.<br /><br />A summary of board members’ responses ranked characteristics by frequency of inclusion in their top five revealed the following key culture traits for CCAF:<br /><br />- Engaged (6 votes)  <br />- Inclusive (6 votes)  <br />- Collaborative (5 votes)  <br />- Graduate/Student-Focused (5 votes)  <br />- Purpose-Driven (5 votes)  <br />- Strategic (5 votes)  <br />- Innovative (4 votes)  <br />- Sustainable (4 votes)  <br />- 100% Commitment (3 votes)  <br /><br />Other mentioned characteristics, though less frequent, included community-driven, entrepreneurial, relational, transparent, authentic, culturally responsive, forward-thinking, informed, passionate, responsible, and trustworthy.<br /><br />The activity also prompted groups to identify their top five characteristics for CCAF and reflect on how the board models these behaviors during meetings and community engagement. Characteristics in practice might be perceived through consistent active participation, open and inclusive dialogue, alignment around student-focused goals, strategic planning, innovation in approach, and commitment to sustainability and responsibility.<br /><br />Overall, the exercise aimed to shape a strong, shared organizational culture grounded in engagement, inclusivity, collaboration, purpose, and strategic focus that can guide CCAF’s mission and operations internally and externally.

Asset Caption

This activity models Community College of Aurora Foundation’s process for determining the most impactful and resonant cultural characteristics, as determined by board members.

Keywords

Organizational Culture

Engagement

Inclusivity

Collaboration

Graduate-Focused

Purpose-Driven

Strategic Planning

Innovation

Sustainability

Commitment