Knowledge Based Governance

Members sometimes wonder what goes into the board processes for when and how the AAMFT Board of Directors moves to take action, make recommendations, form a task force or committee, and otherwise makes necessary and important decisions to strategically guide the association with long range vision.

First, it is important to remember that the board governs with a style that emphasizes outward vision, encouragement of diverse viewpoints, visionary leadership, clear distinction in board roles, collective decision making, future focus, and proactivity. The board strives to govern with a future forward focus on behalf of the profession, and representing values of transparency, integrity, and ethical practice.

One integral process for the operationalizing of those values is found in the priority we endeavor to give to answering a series of knowledge-based questions which are woven into all board governance. This includes appointed task forces, committees and other workgroups who gather and use the knowledge bases and any other necessary information essential for the board to fully discuss and deliberate.

The following knowledge-based questions are given careful examination in preparation of any board-ready materials. They are also threaded throughout any board discussions, anchoring our process with clear outward future focus that specifically considers our stakeholders, current realities of the environment, the capacity and strategic position of AAMFT, as well any ethical considerations. The board also invests considerable time with

the question, ‘what we do not know, but sure wish we did.’ Of course, there is uncertainty and risk in any endeavor to plan and guide the association into the future. The challenge of visionary leadership is to not become shackled by the past, or by fear of change, or the unknown. These questions are key to navigating those tension points.

These knowledge-based questions are woven into our governance policies and they serve to keep the board at the leading edge of their strategic thinking:

What do we know about our stakeholders’ needs, wants, and preferences, that is relevant to this decision?

What do we know about the current realities and evolving dynamics of our environment that is relevant to this question?

What do we know about the capacity and strategic position of our organization that is relevant to this decision?

What are the ethical implications?

What do we wish we knew but don’t?

Every board decision, every task force report, and every appointed work group must address these knowledge-based questions in their reports, and they must demonstrate the foundational link to these considerations to any recommendations for Board action. Additionally, since the Board adopted the Diversity & Inclusivity (D&I) Commitment and Accountability policies, those D&I questions are held in equal status to these knowledge-based questions.