Executive sessions of the board can be dangerous.  They are mysterious.  The board meets alone unless they invite outside members to join them.  Executive sessions put the staff on edge.  Executive sessions are where candid discussion takes place and then the board comes back and make some wild decision.  Executive sessions are where a CEO’s fate is decided. 


Unless…

Executive sessions are regular features at the end of every board meeting.  If they are used as a way to give the board a reflective moment.  If they provide an opening for a board member to ask ‘the stupid question’ that everyone in the room wanted to address but nobody felt comfortable to inquire about during the regular meeting.  It is a moment for the board to pause and think about all the content they just absorbed during the regular course of business.   It can be an opportunity to ask the CEO what keeps them awake at night.  Or it is a chance to meet with an auditor and get their perception of the organization’s finances without the CEO and CFO in the room. 


How does your organization use Executive session?  Is it scary or enhancing?  Does it benefit the board or divide the organization?  Executive sessions can change an organization.