You’re working hard to support your board and manage their work. You prepare for meetings. You teach them how to fundraise. You encourage their strategic discussions. You know their kids. And how do you know if it’s working? Is your board effective? Do they feel engaged in the right ways? If you follow best practices, [...]
As I review current trends for nonprofits, I can’t help but notice what’s going on with boards now. We’ve discovered a lot about nonprofit boards in the past year. Some of you have shared issues like this: Your boards don’t have the right players anymore. What you needed in the past has shifted. [...]
I don't believe in wishing days away. None of the "I wish this week was over" kind of stuff for me. And....I'll be okay with moving on past 2020. As we lean into 2021, I feel so much empathy for those of you working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector. I was you for many [...]
Instead of the usual get together at a favorite watering hole or a board member’s home, here we are. Highest surge of the pandemic yet and unable to safely mingle in person. That doesn’t mean you cancel your holiday celebration though! Mindset matters. Your board needs a break and what better way to build camaraderie [...]
There’s nothing like a pandemic to get nonprofits thinking more intentionally about who they need to lead the organization. I guess that’s one positive thing we can take from 2020. Whether your board is too small, too unfocused, has too many gaps in expertise, isn't fully engaged or whatnot, I’m going to keep this simple. [...]
As I’ve been connecting with Executive Directors and Board Presidents lately, I’m happy to see you focused on shoring up items related to your board structure. You’re reviewing processes and refining things like committee charters. Committee charters are considered a necessary part of good governance and are essential for several reasons: [...]