One of the key themes identified in the WIB Benchmarking Project is nature of high-performing WIBs to focus at a higher strategic level. One of many tools to help manage this organizaitonal priority at model Workforce Boards is the use of Consent Agenda to optimize the meeting process.Accountability is one of the key strategic values of the Southwest Missouri WIB. As such, fudiciary and program responsibility will always remain on the WIB’s radar screen. The use of the Consent Agenda tool helps the WIB meet this responsibility efficiently while keeping the focus on strategic importance related to economic and workforce development for the region.
At its October 25th meeting, the WIB formally adopted a rule of order to utilize the Consent Agenda process at future meetings. In short, Consent Agenda consolidates routine, operational issues into one brief action at each Board meeting. The Executive Committee populates the consent agenda each month and all items are sent well in advance for members to review ahead of the meeting. If all is in order, the items advance as one approval. However, if members feel an item needs further discussion, items may be pulled individually and placed on the regular agenda while allowing other items to pass normally.
In addition to consent agenda, other measures were approved at the October WIB meeting to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The WIB re-organized its committee structure, eliminating basically all standing committees with the exception of the Executive Committee and the Youth Council. The Executive Committee will oversee the consent agenda as well as routine operational matters of personnel and finance as needed. The Youth Council was combined with the Youth Outreach Workforce Partnership of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce earlier this year as a joint effort to advance strategic issues of the emerging youth workforce.
The new structure emphasizes “workgroups” to carry-out strategic initiatives on an as-needed, project-driven basis. Unlike standing committees alone, the workgroups have a set start and end date with specific tasks and specific performance mandates accountable to the Board. As a result, full Board meetings will now be held every other month as opposed to monthly with meetings that focus on strategy, performance, and other big-picture issues.
Board members and staff alike are excited about the new structure and the realm of opportunities that lay ahead for the organization to make even greater impacts on economic development and prosperity for Southwest Missouri. Visit our website for more information on the WIB’s organizational chartering efforts
