Executive Managers Need Board Guidance
Nonprofit Staff Work Best with a Strong Board
There is a difference between provide sound guidance and micro-managing. No executive director or manager can work well with an intrusive board of directors. Board members who check in on a daily basis, go around the management staff to try to interfere with staff, or those who commit other invasive infractions are not furthering the mission of the organization'"they are severely limiting the function of the staff.
A strong board of directors, however, does provide guidance and direction in some very clear ways: functional board meetings where oversight of organizational programs and projects is provided, establishing short-term and long-term goals and strategic planning for the organization, and offering support and feedback to the executive director or managers. These are three clear, helpful ways a board can enable the executive staff of both small and large nonprofit organizations.
Strategic planning is an important task for a functional board of directors. Allow the executives and staff to follow through and make the programs and projects happen, but give the staff clear direction as to what the goals and objectives should be for the organization. Set priorities and use the feedback garnered from staff to keep programs and services relevant to the needs of the community being served.
Executive directors and executive staff often feel very isolated in their roles'"especially in small nonprofit organizations where one or two executives may supervise the entire staff of employees and volunteers. It is key for the board of directors to provide the support and feedback that allow for the executives to stay focused and avoid burn-out. Check-ins at board meetings can be helpful, but so can periodic evaluations or discussions where the executive(s) is/are invited to share challenges, questions, and ideas in a safe and encouraging environment.
Published by Kori Rodley Irons
Kori is a freelance writer, public relations and nonprofit management specialist living in the Pacific Northwest. She also raised three children as a single parent and is an activist involved in various comm... View profile
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