Lately, we’ve been thinking a lot about board governance and how the relationship between the leadership and the board of a non-profit is essential to its success. Yet it’s apparent from the work we’ve done at B&G over the past 2 years, how often this relationship could really work better.
Though constitutionally and legally what is required from a board member has stayed the same, we believe that what the leadership and the board really need from each other has evolved. Since rapid change is probably the norm, and the demands on many nonprofits are becoming increasingly complex as a result, this is a relationship that now needs to go beyond the basic responsibilities. Your board and your executive leadership should function as a high-performing team.
Often this is not so. The most common complaints that nonprofit leaders have about their boards are:
- “They don’t read the board materials and come prepared.”
- ”Don’t really understand our mission and the work we do.”
- “Place their personal agenda ahead of the organisation’s.”
- “Make decisions at the Board table that they would never make in their own business.”
- “Micromanage or rubber stamp.”
- “Do not respect confidentiality.”
- “Do not follow through.”
- “Won’t use their network or help raise money.”
This cuts both ways of course. Boards often complain that nonprofit leaders:
- Don’t have a strategy
- Don’t use my skills or ask for my advice
- Haven’t told me what they want me to do
- The board materials aren’t clear or there are too many of them
All Onboard is the workshop we’ve designed to bring leaders and board members of different non-profits together. It’s an opportunity to explore the respective roles and responsibilities of leaders and board members and how their individual skills and experiences can collectively support the organisation in its strategy, HR, fundraising, advocacy and succession planning.
Our aim is that you go away from the session feeling clearer about how to create the high-performing team you need for your organisation to flourish.
The next dates for All Onboard are:-
“B&G recently undertook a board building process with our charity. We are delighted with the results. By focusing on the strategic plan, the best way forward for the board became clear and as CEO, I now feel confident about the way ahead. A most positive and affirming experience with two skilled, experienced people who have a deep understanding of governance in action, having been both board members and CEOs themselves.” (CEO, Scottish charity)
All our Autumn Sessions of Comms Clinic – our online workshop to help you tell a better story about your organisation’s work through your website and social media – sold out quickly, so we have added another date: Mon 13th December 10-1pm.
Please use the links above for more information and to book. If you have any questions or have problems booking, email us at info@bandgpartners.com