When Boards Settle: A Hard Lesson in Executive Director Transitions

Categories: Best Nonprofit Practices · Board Member Roles · Hiring ED or CEOTags: · · · · · 1 Comment

I spoke to a board member who served on the search committee for a new Executive Director. When their favored candidate turned them down, they felt a lot of pressure. As a result, they settled for a candidate they had rejected – who unfortunately did not last long. This board member reflects on what could have been done differently.   A Great Transition—Until It Wasn’t As told by a nonprofit board member somewhere in the US I was a board member at an education-oriented nonprofit where, honestly, things were going well. We had a terrific Executive Director. She was strong,… Read more

Eight Things to Consider When Diversifying Your Board

Categories: Board Diversity · Board Member Roles · Prospective Board MembersTags: · · 1 Comment

Everyone wants to diversify their boards. Having a diverse board, especially one with people who have lived experience around your mission, will help you make better decisions. Here are some things to think about: Think Broadly. Think of diversity in the broadest sense – ability, age, ethnicity, gender identity, geography, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. All of these areas can enrich your discussions and add important perspective. Depending on your mission, some may be more critical than others. Remember too that just because someone is white, male, or older does not mean that they are bad board members.… Read more

Should You Have Agendas for Board Meetings?

Categories: Board Member Roles · Board, Board Chair, ED/CEO Roles · Good Board PracticesTags: · · · · 3 Comments

In this post, I share how a diverse board handles some different cultural norms around agendas and meetings. It’s a good lesson about being transparent and inclusive. How One Board Changed the Way Agendas Were Developed and Meetings Were Run Told by a Board Chair somewhere in the US Many years ago, I was board chair of a small nonprofit that had a very diverse board. At one meeting, a board member suggested that we not use agendas. He said that there were cultures where following a strict agenda was uncomfortable and — to respect those individuals — we should… Read more

Changing Aspirations Is Hard

Categories: Board Member Roles · Board, Board Chair, ED/CEO RolesTags: · · · · Leave a comment

I spoke to a CEO who was brought in to make changes. The organization was being passed over for funding. The previous CEO had been there a long time, had created an aspirational vision for the organization, and was well liked by staff. Board and staff had embraced the aspirational goals of the previous CEO. The new CEO had to lead board and staff to embrace a new vision. Be Clear About a New CEO’s Mandate As told by a nonprofit CEO somewhere in the USA. When you come into a job as a new CEO, there are all kinds… Read more

Involve Your Board, Don’t Push Them Away!

Categories: Board Member Roles · Board, Board Chair, ED/CEO Roles · Fundraising · Good Board Practices · LeadershipTags: · · · · · · Leave a comment

In this unprecedented time, how is your organization treating its board members? What can and should board members be doing to support your organization now? I have spoken to a handful of board members in the last couple weeks. These have been casual conversations as we all check in on each other. I have heard two very different scenarios. Increase Reliance on Your Board in a Time of Crisis In one group, board members feel their organization’s staff and leadership have reached out to the board and all are working together on short- and long-term planning. Staff at some front-line… Read more