Table of Content: Leadership by governing boards : a vision of group accountability -- Policy as a leadership tool : the force of explicit values -- Designing policies that make a difference : governing by values -- Focusing on results : the power of purpose -- Controlling ethics and prudence : what's not OK, even if it works -- Strong boards need strong executives : the board-executive relationship -- The board's responsibility for itself : governing oneself precedes governing others -- Officers and committees : the chief governance officer and other divisions of board labor -- Policy development by levels : adding details judiciously -- Making meetings meaningful : creating the future more than reviewing the past -- Maintaining board leadership : staying on track and institutionalizing excellence -- But does it work? : criticisms, effectiveness research, and model consistency -- Resource A. Varieties of policy governance applications -- Resource B. Bylaws -- Resource C. Glossary.