“When I came back from a year’s sabbatical, I couldn’t believe it was the same organization. The mission and the values are the same, but the board is completely new—and ten times more productive.”

Great boards don't happen by accident: they are carefully selected, thoroughly oriented to the nonprofit they have chosen to offer their time, and kept current on practices in the field of governance. Some may  feel awkward suggesting that a board improve its performance (particularly the CEO who reports to that board); however, assessing the board's performance and making recommendations for more effective, satisfying board service are contributions to the nonprofit's success.

Topics for Board Development

The foundation of successful nonprofit boards is a clear, shared understanding of what is expected of board members. The first step in developing that understanding is education about the obligations and duties of nonprofit boards. A frequent second step is negotiation among members of the board about the expectations within their nonprofit.

Sample topics for board development include:

  • The role and responsibilities of the board

  • The role and responsibilities of officers and committees

  • The importance of the nominating process, and how to achieve best results

  • Fund raising and the board

  • Managing board/board and board/staff relationships

  • Assisting the board in confidential self-assessment of its own performance

Boards respond well to having an expert they can question regarding differences of opinion about appropriate procedure and practices in the field. We have seen them make great strides as a result of having an independent professional help them gain greater understanding of their role.

Venues for Board Development

In-depth board development often takes place in a retreat setting, where participants are given extended opportunities to explore and refine their understanding of best practices. Some nonprofits prefer to integrate board development into their ongoing work; it can be as simple as a single event addressing a single topic or series of sessions that are part of board meetings.

Oliver Tessier & Associates can also help your organization design an orientation for new board members.

 

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Our Clients Say

Our board set the bar very high, and Oliver rose to it. His people skills are extraordinary!
—  Dr. Nina McClelland, Chair of the Board, American Chemical Society

Nonprofit Q&A

Raising the Bar on Performance

I have to get better performance from my team if I'm going to succeed as a new CEO. How can I?

Read the answer…