Your Board Doesn't Have a Governance Problem -- It has a Courage Problem!

Over the years, I've heard countless nonprofit leaders say some version of the same thing: "Our board has a governance problem." Sometimes they're right. A board may have outdated bylaws, weak committee structures, poor orientation for new members, or unclear policies. Those issues certainly matter, and they deserve attention.

But after facilitating hundreds of board retreats and strategic planning sessions over the past twenty years, I've come to a different conclusion. More often than not, governance isn't the real problem. It's simply the symptom. The real issue usually runs much deeper, and it's one that few boards are willing to acknowledge.

In my experience, the greatest weakness of many nonprofit boards isn't a lack of intelligence, experience, or commitment. In fact, most boards are filled with remarkably accomplished people. They include CEOs, physicians, attorneys, entrepreneurs, bankers, educators, accountants, business owners, and community leaders.

These are individuals who routinely make difficult decisions in their professional lives. They negotiate contracts, terminate employees, challenge assumptions, manage crises, and accept responsibility for decisions that affect hundreds or even thousands of people. Yet something curious often happens when those same individuals walk into a nonprofit board meeting. The decisiveness they display everywhere else suddenly becomes caution.

Tune in to Learn More!

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(70)

Why "Any Questions" is Killing Your Board Discussions

Why "Any Questions?" Is Killing Your Board Discussions I've facilitated hundreds of board retreats over the past 20 years, and I've noticed something fascinating. The moment a board chair or CEO f...

2 Sep 6min

You Essential Marketing Quiver - Here!

Many nonprofits believe their mission alone should inspire support. Unfortunately, donors are not mind readers. They cannot automatically feel your impact, understand your programs, appreciate you...

2 Sep 17min

A Strategic Planning Doc Should be a Decision-Making Tool, Not a Coffee Table Book

I've seen some beautiful strategic plans over the years. Thick paper. Gorgeous photography. Inspirational quotes. Color-coded priorities. One organization even handed me a plan that looked expensive e...

2 Sep 11min

How Great Fundraisers Prepare for Donor Meetings

Many fundraisers think successful donor meetings are primarily about charisma. Wrong. Charisma helps. Confidence helps. Storytelling helps. But more than anything else, successful fundra...

2 Sep 14min

Every Board Has an Elephant. Most Just Feed It.

Elephants Have Excellent Appetites Boards feed elephants in all kinds of ways. They postpone difficult conversations. They soften uncomfortable language. They create committees. They commission anot...

2 Sep 10min

5-Step Formula for Setting Up a Donor Meeting

For many nonprofit leaders and fundraisers, making the initial donor call feels about as comfortable as parallel parking a boat. Even highly confident professionals suddenly become nervous, overly for...

2 Sep 11min

The Biggest Lie in Strategic Planning

Board members say it all the time. "We're just not ready to make that decision." It sounds thoughtful. Responsible. Even wise. After all, no one wants to rush an important decision. But after facili...

2 Sep 7min