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Can anyone explain to me WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON? I'm listening.

I have not seen in 40 years of working with nonprofits so much turmoil starting at the Board level. Never.

I'm used to getting "freaked out" calls and emails. Sometimes it is just pointing out the obvious that can calm the situation (and person) down.

But now, there is a whole new CRAZY going on that I have just not seen. And I thought 2020-2021 was weird.

ISSUE:

Boards have gone rogue. And I mean the likes I have never seen before.

Late to Board meetings. Not being prepared. Just skipping them with no explanations. Creating issues at the Board table. Going around spreading garbage outside the Board room.

SOLUTION:

TRAIN THEM BEFORE THEY TAKE THEIR BOARD SEAT.

That's really an easy solution.

ISSUE:

Certain Board members vying to "take over" the top paid executive role creating unnecessary stress for everyone. ED or CEO Wannabe — The ED Wannabe wants the Executive Director’s or CEO’s job; she/he takes every opportunity to tell the chief paid staff member and the Board that the ED is ineffective. She/he undercuts the ED with the rest of the Board by comments and suggestive remarks that cast doubt about the ED’s capabilities and performance without actually leveling any concrete charges or producing any evidence of poor performance.

SOLUTION:

Burying your head in the sand will NOT make this go away. I know, I know...most people don't dig confrontation. This calls for immediate confrontation! Not all confrontation needs to be filled with anger. If this is left unchecked, it can cripple organizational effectiveness that leaks down to the other staff members. Start with a private meeting outside the Board room with the Board member who "wants to take over....can do a better job". Two fellow Board members must take the lead on this and report back to the whole Board. It will then be up to the Board to make a decision on the outcome from that private meeting. Bylaws should have a clause on removing a Board member if this cannot be remedied. This is NOT the responsibility of the ED/CEO.

ISSUE:

"Our Board does not need training". Oh, really, I say. I find that the emails and calls I receive from frustrated executives or Board members is due to their lack of training.

SOLUTION:

TRAIN THEM. Find an outside resource that provides nonprofit Board Development such as a consultant. Every single Board needs Board training. Every. Single. One. In fact, in the budget for the organization should have monetary lines for Board training and staff training every year.

I call this "Resistance to Governance" and it is woefully unacceptable behavior for ADULTS.

ISSUE:

Mr/Mrs Knows It All. Have you met those people or sat on a Board with them? It is exhausting. They know more than anyone else around that Board table. They are always right. Always. They are right-fighters without any knowledge!

SOLUTION:

TRAIN THE BOARD! Do you see a pattern here?! Sometimes I believe it is not the Board member's fault if they have not had the proper development before they take their seat. This is an easy solution.

ISSUE:

And I cannot believe this is an issue! Board members not wanting volunteers. Like, WHAT? I have two client nonprofits that their Board does not see the necessity for volunteers. They think their staff can handle it all themselves. Talk about narrow-minded Board members!

SOLUTION:

YOU NEED VOLUNTEERS! Remind the Board often what your volunteers have done and are doing with a Volunteer Report. Keep track of the names, dates, how they volunteered (events, etc.) and how many hours they volunteered for your organization. It's possible they do not even realize the amount of time the volunteers put into your organization. Give the that data often!

TAKE AWAYS: Provide your Board and staff yearly development with a consultant. Give the Board better dashboard reporting and include a Volunteer Report. Have the critical conversations when needed. These are not hard things.

Thanks for reading,

Sally