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Board President

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Lessons for a Board President

by Eric Douglas

In passing the leadership torch at a non-profit organization, I was asked to name the things that effective Board presidents do.

Here’s my list:

1. Facilitate and preside over the Board meetings, starting on time, ending on time, keeping the conversation on topic, calling on people who are quiet, trying to engage everyone.


2. Model the behaviors you want to see in others during Board meetings. Be present and attentive. Listen carefully, paraphrase people’s positions, and clarify the action steps. Provide positive feedback.


3. Be clear about the role of the Board. The Board needs to make decisions that are appropriate for the Board: i.e. adopt a strategic plan, approve a budget, and decide on other important matters. Treat those matters with the seriousness they deserve. Don’t let the Board slip into bureaucratic behaviors (for example, by appointing committees to oversee staff’s work).


4. Be direct and straightforward about any conflicts you see or issues before they become elephants in the room.


5. Keep a focus on the organization as a business. Keep focused on generating market-driven revenues, in addition to philanthropic fund-raising. Keep asking “who pays, who benefits” types of questions. Challenge people when they drift into non-business-like thinking.


6. Be actively engaged in planning the Board’s agendas. Feel free to elevate things that you think the Board needs more time with. Don’t rubber stamp staff’s suggested agendas.


7. Be available to the chief executive and staff as a sounding board. Spend time with them separately, talking through matters of importance and thinking through how best to optimize the expertise and talents of Board members. Help them understand the role of the Board.


8. Think about the legacy you want to leave as Board president. Pick one or two goals, such as diversifying the Board or elevating its fund-raising capabilities, and commit yourself publicly to achieving them.


9. Be thoughtful about who you want to succeed you. A Board president has a lot of sway over his or her successor.

Five Habits of High-Performing Boards

When a Board of Directors serves in a governing capacity (e.g. for a non-profit, a public agency, or a corporation), the Board needs to act in certain ways in order to assure high levels of performance throughout the organization. This tool lays out the five habits of high-performing governing boards.

The Evolution of Non-Profit Boards

The Board of a non-profit organization typically follows an evolutionary path as the organization matures. This tool lays out three stages of Board evolution and identifies the characteristic behaviors of each stage. This tool can apply to public agencies, city councils, non-profits, and co-ops. Board members can use this tool to help clarify their role and adapt the Board’s focus accordingly.

Best Practices of High-Performing Boards

To speak with a governance consultant about how LRI can help you implement the best practices of high-performing boards, call (916) 325-1190 or email info@leadingresources.com.

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