Handling a CEO Problem with Empathy

Categories: Board Member Roles · Board, Board Chair, ED/CEO Roles · Hiring ED or CEO · LeadershipTags: · · Leave a comment

In this post, I share the story of how one Board Chair – and board – managed a problematic situation with a new CEO in a sensitive way. Trust Your Gut if Something Seems Wrong with Your CEO As told by a Board Chair somewhere in the US I was Board Chair of a medium-sized nonprofit in a midwestern city. The organization had been around for decades and was very impactful. We had a lot of support from local corporations, foundations, and big donors. Our staff were – and still are — amazing and have built trusting relationships with the… Read more

Take Care of the Great ED You Want to Keep

Categories: Board Member Roles · Board, Board Chair, ED/CEO Roles · Good Board Practices · Hiring ED or CEO · LeadershipTags: · · 1 Comment

My last few posts have been an informal series. I posted about what I believe makes a good Board Chair. I wrote a second post on the relationship between the Board Chair and the CEO. I listed 8 Ways to Be a Great Board Member and I provided a framework for doing an Annual CEO Performance Review. One reader made an excellent comment on my post on performance reviews, noting that it is critical that the CEO and board be aligned on priorities in advance. I think it is a great addition. Another reader shared a story in which her… Read more

Do Not Surprise Your CEO or Board Chair

Categories: Board Member Roles · Board, Board Chair, ED/CEO Roles · Good Board Practices · Leadership4 Comments

In my last post, I gave new Board Chairs some advice on how to be effective in their new roles. One point I made was to develop a good relationship with the CEO. Several readers asked for more information. So, this post will address the Board Chair- CEO relationship. At the high level, trust, transparency, and respect are key to this very important relationship. As Board Chair, you especially need to be humble. The CEO is the expert. And a goal for both is ensuring there are no surprises. For All Organizations As I noted in my last post, your… Read more

Advice for New Board Chair

Categories: Board Member Roles · Board, Board Chair, ED/CEO Roles · Good Board Practices · LeadershipTags: 4 Comments

Not long ago, a friend invited me to coffee – she had recently been elected to be Board Chair for a nonprofit. It was her first time as a Board Chair although she had been on this board for several years and had also served on other boards. She asked me if I had any advice for a new Chair. Here is what I shared: Don’t Act Alone Remember that while you can influence many things as Board Chair, you don’t have more power than anyone else on the board. You have one vote. Every board member has one vote.… Read more

Experienced Board Members Add Great Value

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In my last post, I stated that sometimes being good leader is knowing when it is time to step back and allow others to lead. Some of the best leaders I know have graciously handed the reins to new people – often younger and more diverse people, though not always. These amazing people keep the mission of the organization at the forefront. They understand that fresh ideas and new voices are necessary to have the most impact. That said, long-time leaders also offer a huge amount to an organization. I would never advocate for an organization having all of its… Read more