We know boards of directors can be a critical element in advancing an organization’s mission. When we’re honest with ourselves, we also acknowledge that boards can be a key factor in holding a nonprofit back. We’ve all seen executive directors wringing their hands about how to “manage” their boards or board members/directors resigning in frustration or dying of boredom. (Maybe we’ve even been those EDs and board members.)

 

There are a few, fairly simple things that organizations can do to secure all the benefits—sage advice, expanded networks and a sound fiduciary function are just a few examples—that a best-practice board can offer. Today we’ll take a look at how nonprofits conceptualize the role of the board; ways to engage people from a diversity of experiences and abilities in leading our organizations; and how to promote a board culture that is so good, you’ll have a waiting list of candidates.