MennoLink Books and Music

Copyright 2008 Herald Press

In short, pointedly-written chapters, Stoesz covers: Helping directors understand their governance role; A plan to fulfill the purpose; Reporting back to the members; Planning effective meetings; Great boards have a good fight (occasionally); Working your way through a crisis; Great boards celebrate; and Leaving right.

Stoesz deftly interweaves background philosophy, vision and razor-sharp specific ideas. "Discussion/Action Questions" conclude many of the chapters. In addition, Stoesz offers a "Board Evaluation Form," a "Director's Self-Evaluation Form," and an Outline for the "Executive Director Annual Review."

Copyright 2007 Good Books

Here are dozens of two-page-long meditations, written expressly for board meetings by seasoned board members. Among the writers are the President of Habitat for Humanity, International; President of the American Leprosy Mission; a newspaper editor; a college communications teacher; pastors; storytellers; a family counselor; chairperson of Mennonite Central Committee, the worldwide relief organization; a college chaplain; a lobbyist on Capitol Hill.

They all write from their lives. Some are men; some are women.

Each meditation begins with a Scripture, moves on to a personal story, and ends with a brief prayer.

Each is about leadership--the courage it requires, the clarity it demands, the celebration it sometimes offers.