At first glance, netball and trustee boards may seem worlds apart. One is a fast-paced sport played on courts, while the other operates in boardrooms, strategizing for the success of a scheme. My experience on trustee boards and my love of netball have made me realise the striking parallels between them both: teamwork, strategy, and clear communication to achieve their goals. By taking stock of the similarities, we can glean insights into what makes trustee boards more effective.
1. Defined Roles and Responsibilities
In netball, each player has a specific position and role, such as Goal Shooter, Wing Defence, or Centre. Players must stay within their designated areas and fulfil their responsibilities for the team to function effectively. Similarly, trustee boards thrive on clarity of roles. Trustees must understand their duties—whether it’s overseeing finances, fundraising, or strategic planning—and operate within their scope.
When roles are unclear in either scenario, chaos ensues. A Goal Shooter wandering into the defensive third would disrupt play, just as a trustee micro-managing responsibilities undermines governance. Effective trustees, like skilled players, know their boundaries and collaborate to support the larger mission.
2. Teamwork and Collaboration
Success in netball depends on seamless teamwork. Players anticipate each other’s movements, communicate clearly, and trust their teammates to execute plays. Trustee boards are no different. For a board to succeed, trustees must work collaboratively, leveraging each other’s expertise to make informed decisions.
Effective boards embrace the diversity of skills among their members, just as a netball team values the unique contributions of each position. The Goal Attack relies on the Wing Attack’s precision passes, just as a trustee focused on legal compliance might rely on a finance expert to analyse budgets.
3. Adaptability and Strategy
In netball, players must adapt to the game’s dynamic nature, adjusting strategies in response to opponents’ tactics. Similarly, trustees must navigate the ever-changing landscape of governance. Whether it’s responding to new regulations, economic challenges, or shifting stakeholder expectations, adaptability is key.
Trustee effectiveness hinges on strategic thinking—an ability to see the big picture while making tactical decisions. This mirrors the way a netball team balances offensive and defensive strategies, always keeping the end goal in sight.
4. Clear Communication
Communication is the backbone of any successful netball team. Players call out for passes, warn of opposing players, and celebrate successes. Likewise, effective trustees prioritise open, respectful communication. Trustee meetings should encourage dialogue, ensure everyone’s voice is heard, and maintain focus on the scheme’s mission.
Breakdowns in communication—whether on the court or in the boardroom—lead to missed opportunities and poor performance. Trustees, like players, must commit to transparent, honest interactions to foster trust and unity.
5. Shared Vision
A netball team shares a common goal: to win the match. Every pass, pivot, and shot works toward that objective. Similarly, trustee boards exist to champion their scheme’s mission. Trustees must align their decisions with the scheme’s purpose, ensuring all efforts contribute to long-term success for, and behalf of all the members.
When a team or board loses sight of its vision, performance suffers. A trustee board that is united in its mission is better equipped to make decisions that advance the scheme’s goals.
Lessons for Trustee Effectiveness
The metaphor of netball offers several actionable lessons for trustees aiming to enhance their effectiveness:
- Embrace your role – understand your responsibilities and trust others to fulfil theirs.
- Foster collaboration – value diverse perspectives and work together toward common objectives.
- Stay adaptable – be prepared to adjust strategies in response to changing circumstances.
- Prioritise communication – build a culture of openness and respect.
- Focus on the mission – keep the Scheme’s purpose at the forefront of all decisions.
Different arenas: shared goals
Netball and trustee boards may operate in different arenas, but both require coordination, strategy, and a commitment to shared goals. By drawing inspiration from the teamwork and discipline of netball, trustee boards can enhance their effectiveness, ensuring they serve their schemes and its members with the same precision and purpose as a well-oiled netball team.
For more information on any of the above, please contact Goal Defence/Associate Director Kerry Jones from our Governance team.
