Do You Need A Crystal Ball to Understand Your Board?

Categories: Board Member Roles · Board, Board Chair, ED/CEO Roles · Good Board PracticesTags: · · · · · · · · 1 Comment

I have served on many boards. Questions have come up about how boards work internally. Some boards are very transparent. Others not so much. Sometimes, it seems all the decisions are made by a small group of people behind closed doors. I identified five areas where I think all boards need to be more transparent. How Do I Get on The board? Some boards have trouble finding new board members; others have prospects knocking at their doors. With membership organizations — where board members belong to the organization — or schools — where board members are usually parents or alumni… Read more

For Success, Pay Attention After You Hire the ED

Categories: Board Member Roles · Founder Transitions · Good Board Practices · Hiring ED or CEOTags: · · · · Leave a comment

I received feedback from quite a few readers after posting my last story about selecting a new CEO or ED. One reader said that before selecting a new CEO, it is important to have some foundational aspects in order, specifically: The board is clear about its role and about the difference between governance and service. Board and staff are aligned around a strategic plan. The board has an emergency plan if the ED is not able to continue to serve. The board focuses on professional development and meets frequently with the ED to discuss progress toward the strategic plan as… Read more

Be Intentional About Connections and Culture

Categories: Advocacy · Good Board Practices · LeadershipTags: · 1 Comment

I spoke to an ED of an organization in the mental health field. They reflected on the past year and some intentional actions that were taken to create connections and trust between board members so that hard decisions could be made. They also spoke of the impact of DEI training and that they are looking forward embracing advocacy. During COVID, ED Leans Into Board for Support We have a big board – 30 people. We are in the mental health field. Reflecting on the past year and more, I would say that I have leaned into the board in ways… Read more

Nonprofit Boards Are Guardians of Precious Community Assets

Categories: Board Member Roles · Good Board Practices · LeadershipTags: · · Leave a comment

As told by a nonprofit CEO somewhere in the US I had a great conversation with the CEO of a nonprofit about managing through crises – as we all have been doing this past year. He talked about trust and honest communication. He listens to his board and communicates frequently and openly. He understands that boards ask hard questions because they are stewards of a precious community asset. But that also means they have to understand the clients they serve. Trust Is Key to Managing Through Crises A little background. Our organization is over 70 years old with about 225… Read more

Protests and COVID Will Change Nonprofits Forever

Categories: Board Diversity · Board Member Roles · Good Board Practices · LeadershipTags: 2 Comments

In this story, I talk to a long-time corporate executive who joined several boards after retiring. He reflects on how last year’s protests have advanced his journey around understanding bias and the need of board members to champion social justice and systems change — because the system treats people differently. He also discusses how he thinks COVID will change nonprofit boards in the future. Every Board Needs to Stand up for Social Justice Told by a board member somewhere in the US. I was in the corporate world for a long time and served on many corporate boards. When I… Read more