For nonprofit leaders, your board of directors is one of your most valuable assets. But effective board engagement can be tricky. After decades working for and with a variety of nonprofits, I should be able to say that nothing surprises me anymore—until I hear the next story about board members overstepping their bounds, behaving badly, or ghosting all attempts to connect.
Boards will never be perfect because people will never be perfect. But there are ways to identify if your board is appropriately involved in the service of your mission. If your board members demonstrate these four qualities, you’re on the right track to supercharging your board to be at its best.
Excitement about the future
Supercharged board members feel genuinely enthusiastic about where the organization is going. They welcome innovation, embrace change, and actively contribute to strategic discussions. In turn, their excitement fuels creativity, inspires collaboration, and attracts new opportunities that are essential for a nonprofit’s growth.
Involvement in impact
A solid understanding of your mission and active engagement in its impact are essential for board success. When board members are personally invested in the organization’s purpose, they can effectively advocate for its cause and leverage their networks to increase the organization’s reach and influence.
Confidence in leadership
A supercharged board trusts the CEO to make informed decisions and implement the organization’s strategies. Its members should feel a sense of relief knowing that operational details are well-managed by the executive team and staff. This mutual trust fosters a positive working relationship and allows the board to focus on its fiscal, strategic, and governing responsibilities without unnecessary micromanagement.
Clarity of roles
A supercharged board feels appreciated for their contributions and understands how they can help advance the organization’s mission. Leaders should actively communicate the board’s impact and provide opportunities for members to contribute their expertise and skills. When board members feel valued and understand their role, they become passionate and longstanding ambassadors for the organization.
Fostering board engagement takes dedication and a thoughtful approach. For strategies to navigate the complexities of board dynamics and craft your annual plan for engagement, join me for a two-hour seminar to Supercharge Your Board on July 20 and check out our new coaching packages for executive directors.