When the board evaluates itself and its committees and the results are tabulated, the board needs a process, facilitated by an outside party, to focus the board’s attention on the most significant gaps. It is then useful for the board to receive guidance about the options that several other comparable organizations have used to address the same gaps. Boards do not feel as overwhelmed by their status when they have a resource to discuss alternatives for addressing their circumstances. The next step is helping the board to set goals to close those gaps during the coming year and establishing accountability for those goals during that session. Often many boards begin to make significant progress in their performance as a result of this type of process. Directors, especially the best ones, report feeling energized and greater commitment to the board when they can see progress made toward accomplishing their goals.