Four Questions to Pull Your Board Out of the Weeds and Into the Future

We've all been in that board meeting. The agenda is packed with urgent operational details: registration numbers, budget approvals, tournament logistics. The focus is on surviving the season. We know we should be thinking about the long-term vision for our club, but who has the time or energy? The tyranny of the "right now" always wins.

Breaking this cycle requires intention. It requires carving out a small amount of space to lift our heads up from the weeds and look at the horizon. You don't need a full weekend retreat to start; you can start with a single, powerful conversation at your next meeting.

Here are four questions I use with my clients to jolt them out of the operational mindset and into a more visionary, strategic space.

1. What is one bold idea that could truly transform our organization?

This is the "Big Hairy Audacious Goal" (BHAG) question. By using the word "bold," you give your team permission to think beyond the usual constraints of budget, time, and tradition. So often, we limit our own thinking. This question shatters those limits. Maybe the bold idea is a new facility. Or maybe it's something even more profound: what if you became the most actively anti-racist and inclusive sport club in your region? What if you eliminated all participation fees? The goal isn't necessarily to land on a perfectly feasible plan in ten minutes. The goal is to energize the room with possibility.

2. It’s 2045. What does our club look like, and who do we serve?

Thinking 20+ years into the future feels audacious, but it’s essential for planting the right seeds today. A major facility project or a fundamental culture shift can take a decade or more to realize. When you envision this future, push beyond just programs and services. Ask the deep questions:

• Does our leadership and membership in 2045 mirror the full diversity of the community we live in?
• Have we become a leader in providing adaptive and para-sport opportunities?
• Have we finally and truly eliminated economic status as a barrier to participation?

Answering these questions honestly will tell you what you need to start working on now to create that legacy.

3. We say we value [Inclusion, Respect, Excellence]. How do we prove it?

Almost every sport club has a list of core values on its website. But how often do we hold ourselves accountable to them? This question forces a shift from aspiration to action. Pick one of your values—especially a challenging one like "Inclusion"—and ask for concrete evidence. Where are we demonstrating this value in our policies, our budget, and our daily behaviour? More importantly, where are the gaps between our intentions and our impact? This isn't a "gotcha" exercise; it's a vital health check to ensure your actions align with your identity.

4. What must we START, STOP, and CONTINUE doing right now?

This is a deceptively simple question that delivers incredible clarity. It cuts through the noise and forces prioritization. Frame it with an equity lens:

• STOP: What long-standing tradition or process might be unintentionally creating a barrier for new families or volunteers? What are we doing that makes people feel unwelcome?
• START: What is the one thing we could start tomorrow that would make our club feel safer or more welcoming?
• CONTINUE: What is working well that we must protect and amplify? Where are we already living up to our best vision of ourselves?

This question helps turn a big, abstract vision into immediate, actionable steps.

From Conversation to Action

These questions are designed to bring new energy and a sense of purpose to your leadership team. They can change the entire tone of your conversations, reminding everyone of the incredible impact your organization can have when it dares to dream.

These conversations are powerful, but they can also be challenging to navigate without a neutral guide to keep the discussion focused and productive.

If you’re ready to lead your board through a conversation that can energize and refocus your organization, I can help. Get in touch to discuss how a facilitated visioning session can move your club forward.