14 | Respond, Don’t React: Learning from Crisis Without Overcorrecting

In this episode of Build Better Boards, hosts Dr. Keri Jacobs and Richard Fagerlin examine how boards can respond to governance failures or crises—either within their own co-op or in the broader industry—without slipping into fear-driven, reactive decision-making. They discuss how thoughtful boards can learn from others’ mistakes, protect trust with management, and avoid overstepping into operational control.

• Boards often overreact to external crises by micromanaging or slipping into a control posture, undermining their strategic role.
• Legal authority allows boards to take operational control, but effectiveness requires careful discernment and a focus on oversight, not management.
• Healthy board culture, built on intentional cadence and strong relationships, is a foundation for wise responses during times of uncertainty.
• Stress-testing scenarios and asking self-directed questions (e.g., “How could we fail in three moves?”) help boards improve governance without fear.
• Accountability should strengthen relationships with leadership—not erode them—and starts with boards asking how they can be better partners.

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