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Creating and Maintaining a Healthy Board of Directors printer-friendly

By Jeremy White, RestoreHope Consulting

For any organization, the role of their board of directors represents a core part of the organization. For non-profit organizations, the board of directors and their efforts can make or break a social service organization.

Many organizations currently find themselves in a power struggle between the board of directors and executive director for leadership and direction of the organization. Others find themselves in a situation where the program's director feels unsupported and overworked as a result of a board that is not engaged.

As a result these organizations fail to realize their mission and reach their true organizational potential. Boards of directors are like the rudder on a ship, the ships engines might be at full steam ahead, but with a problem with the rudder will cause the ship to drift more and more off course. Likewise, with the organization a staff that is working hard, albeit without an effective board will simply ensure that the organization drifts more quickly off its mission's target.

In order to ensure success in this area several factors should be taken into consideration. These include the implementation of well thought out by-laws outlining the roles and responsibilities of the board and the staff in relation to the organization and its leadership.

For many organizations this comes down to a question of who has the final say in matters of dispute between the two entities. Such issues as proper board recruitment, board engagement and retention and training for the board are also essential. 

An organization should determine how the organization will set criteria for board members. What type of individuals will be recruited? What qualifications will be desired? What will be the responsibilities of the member? These issues should be determined and stated both for the organization and the board members so there is a clear understanding of what is required and a benchmark by which to measure if these objectives are being met. 

Organizations should focus on their boards as being important resources in a diversity of fields. It is important for boards to have representation from the business, legal, and community fields among others. This will help to advise and protect an organization in the complexity of the many issues it faces.
In addition, what are the liabilities that the board members face? Is there insurance for those members with matters related to their participation? Talented board members time is often limited and they will want to know that they are participating not only in a worthwhile organization, but one that will not lead to involvement in litigious situations that will squander their time and perhaps place them at risk.

Organizations that are able to engage talented individuals with experience in diverse fields in such a way that their roles are clear and defined in fundraising and other endeavors, are able to avoid "mission drift" and keep their organization on a steady course for success and stability. For questions or more information about effective board development plans, please contact us.

Jeremy White is the Founder and President of RestoreHope Consulting, which was established to address the on-going organizational needs of community helpers and healers and in so doing to restore some of the hope that been lost in communities around the country.

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