Board Games and Bananagrams

I am so very SORRY ( 🙄 👎🏼 ) for the title of this edition.

I blame the heat for the above…

All games aside … raise your hand if you have hired a consultant (or received unsolicited advice from a community leader) and they essentially let you know, “your board is the issue.” Have you used your board as an excuse, as a way out of owning an outcome? It’s not easy having a different boss every year.

We’re all a little guilty of not prioritizing our board of directors. Some want to run the show. Some no show. Your board, and the chair of the board, are stewards of your organization’s mission for a few years. You’ve committed for the long haul.

Your board of directors plays a critical role in guiding your organizations toward success. Real talk - the process of building and maintaining a board that aligns with your vision and the mission of your organization can be daunting. It’s difficult to know where to start, and even more difficult to take the action of ripping that bandaid off, sunsetting longtime stakeholders, and building trust with new partners.  Here’s the deal - the key to long-term success, for you and your organization, lies in having a well-composed board that brings the right mix of skills, perspectives, passion, connections, and dollars.

Why Building the Right Board is Worth Your Time

Guardians of Your Galaxy: Your board isn’t just a group that meets occasionally—they’re the guardians of your mission and vision.

Strategic Sherpas: A strong board offers strategic direction, ensures financial accountability, and opens doors to essential resources and networks.

Wind in Your Sails (and sales): They’re your leadership allies, providing guidance and oversight while respecting the expertise of your executive team.

What’s the Big Idea?: They challenge assumptions, bring fresh ideas, and act as ambassadors for your cause.

Mission Possible: Without the right board, even the best plans can fall flat.

It’s Like a Good Mixtape

Start with a Matrix: Begin by creating a board matrix—this outlines the skills, experiences, demographics, and attributes needed to achieve your goals.

Assess Strengths and Gaps: Identify the strengths and gaps on your current board, focusing on areas like fundraising, financial management, legal expertise, and social capitol.

Diversity Matters: Your board should reflect your ground level stakeholders in terms of gender, race, age, and professional background. A diverse board leads to more innovative solutions and better decision-making.

What Do YOU Need?: A well-rounded board isn’t just a checklist of competencies; it’s a team that complements and enhances your leadership.

Find Balance: Balance skills, perspectives, passion, connections, and financial support to create a board that drives strategic decisions.

It’s So Hard, to Say Goodbye, to Yesterday

Know When to Sunset: Recognize when it’s time to transition certain members off the board. It’s about keeping the board dynamic and aligned with your evolving needs.

Be Clear and Kind: Approach sunsetting with transparency and respect. Honest conversations often lead to a mutual understanding of the need for change.

Make Policy and Follow it: Use term expirations as a natural opportunity for transitions, or offer alternative roles like advisory positions for members mid-term.

Recruiting that New New!

Plug the Gaps: Use the matrix (the tool not the movie) to identify and fill gaps. Seek individuals with the right skills, experiences, and a deep commitment to your mission.

Leverage Networks: Tap into your network—ask current board members, staff, and stakeholders for recommendations. Be open to unconventional candidates.

Set Clear Expectations: Clearly outline the roles, responsibilities, and time commitment involved to attract candidates who are genuinely interested.

Never Yield: Recruiting doesn’t stop—continually evaluate your needs and actively seek out individuals who can help you achieve your vision.