the evolving role of a non profit board member
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workshop to equip non profit leadersTRANSCRIPT
WATSON DURENBERGERCOLLABORATIVE CONSULTING
The Evolving Role of a Non Profit Board Member
Heather DurenbergerMBA, MA
About the presenterAchieving results in Non Profits and Fortune 300
environments for 16 years
Joined first Board as Junior Deacon in High School
MBA, 2000 + MA in Biopsychology, 1993 with research in Neuroscience: Dopamine
Member, Neuroleadership Institute
Help clients see what’s really, really going on
Strengths: engaging others, building partnerships, focus, creating high trust environments and sustained performance leaps
Workshop OverviewPurpose:
Governance practices have evolved over the years.
Let’s discover the hallmarks of good governance and how to unlock the potential of Board.
Process:
Stop, listen, reflect, take action
Payoff:
Gain understanding of governance and conditions needed for healthy Board functioning.
Permission
Board work and governance are not synonymous.
Boards govern but they also:
brainstormscan environment champion watch community trendsraise money advocateopen doors support ED/CEO
And more…
Source: The Nonprofit Board Answer Book, Boardsource, 2007
The state of governanceThe focus of governance has been on structure peeps are falling out of love with us we are missing it – its not structure (below the line thinking) lots of analysis of what is broken, not enough practical
solutions
As non profit leaders lets: stop yelling the same messages louder listen more involve stakeholders be more inclusive be more engaging share decision making and planning
Source: Underestimating the power of non profit governance, NPQ Jan 2013 & Nonprofit branding 2013, What has changed? NPQ Fall 2013
What happening?Many Boards are stuck, they are:
under immense pressure
bored to tears
disengaged
Board members are frustrated and rightly so!
The old model “ain’t working”
Board members desires to be more, to do more, to perform and contribute
Source: Exploring emerging forms of governance, NPQ Winter 2012
Why are Board’s bored?1. First, dysfunctional group dynamics—
rivalries, domination of the many by the few, bad communication—impede collective decision making.
2. Second, Board members are disengaged. They don’t know what’s going on in the organization, nor do they demonstrate much desire to find out.
3. Third, and most important, Board members are often uncertain of their roles and responsibilities.
Source: Problem Boards or Board problems? Ryan, Chait, Taylor, NPQ 2003
Unlocking the potential of BoardsHaving awareness of where the Board
spends its time.
Having the ability to operate in more than one mode.
They have different levels of functioning at their finger tips.
Being able to pivot or use more than one level of functioning is a skill set of high performing Boards.
Source: Reframing governance II by Ryan, Chait, Taylor, NPQ 2003
What if governance systems could:actively honorsinforms supports amplifies vivifies, and expands the work of the organization
What would the benefits be for those you serve?
Lets pull this down
Think of your Board meetings:
What level is your Board functioning?
Where does your Board spend it’s time?
Image Source: steveodland.org
Board has its own values
Trust is key to building any team
Board is a team of people
Most Boards never go through – basic stuff
Source: Board meltdowns, Willowcreek, 2009
“Most Boards are not living up to their potential”
Group dynamicsHow will Board work together?How we will build trust if meeting quarterly
Focus on the right thingsWhere does the Board put its attentionGovernance rhythm
Information architectureHow to help guide the BoardWhat do they needs?Organizational performance & revenue
model
“Leaders keep their eyes on the horizon, not just on the bottom line”
Warren Bennis
How to Help Focus Right Things?
Lead the Board to focus by:
1. Painting a picture of the whole
2. Share major deliverables for 6-12 months
3. Help Board to see staff deliverables
4. Help Board to see know where they need to give attention
Information Architecture
Image Sources: richardgerver.com, linkin.com,
Traditional Board
Image Source: 2012e.igem.org
Source: Community engagement governance; systems wide governance in action by Judy Freiwirth, NPQ Spring 2011
Its not all roses…Although this framework
promising benefits change needed can be difficult.
Boards need to be willing to try new, innovative frameworks and practices.
Organizations are reluctant to engage in the uncertainty and ambiguity that often accompany transformation.
Source: Community engagement governance; systems wide governance in action by Judy Freiwirth, NPQ Spring 2011
Image Source: rigidflexibility.blogspot.com
Letting Go
Why many organizations hesitate in empowering these external ambassadors is the loss of control.
Perhaps with the loss of some control comes an increase in authenticity and transparency, both qualities that can greatly enhance an organization’s overall communications.
Image Source: newclearvision.com
Shift: Deficit Assets
Boards need to shift their perceptions of constituents—from a “charity”/deficit perspective TO constituents as invaluable assets.
Sharing power: both the concept and its implications is perhaps the biggest hurdle.
Image Source: Suzycarroll.com
Redefining contribution
FROM: Writing a check, and recruiting volunteers.
TO: Small donor with the big network social platform savvy who can influence others to give well beyond her own capacity.
Image source: thesavynetworker.typepad.com & consumersenergy.com
Value Added Activities
Source: Stanford Center for Social Innovation Review, Winter 2013: The Permanent Disruption of Social Media by Julie Nixon and Denise Keyes
Everyone is a CommunicatorEncourage everyone in the
organization to be a communicator.
Most organizations equip Board members with basic elevator speeches & hold trainings on messaging.
But very few embrace the “everyone is a communicator” idea fully—and those that do have a tremendous advantage.
Image source: cienciaempauta.am.gov.br
So What Does This Mean For Our Work?
Unlock your potential - No More Bored Boards!
Ensure you know the whole.
Be crystal clear on where you can add value.
Engage stakeholders.
Board best reflects the communities you serve.
Image source:wearemms.co.uk
Today’s TakeawaysBoards of successful
non profits are dramatically shifting.
Be intentional – where to invest energies & how to add value.
Use your influence and engage others in the good work.
Everyone is a communicator!
Image source:theproducersperspective.com
Questions
What is one thing you learned today that you can try this afternoon or in the morning?
Go Deeper Community engagement governance; systems wide governance in
action by Judy Freiwirth, NPQ Spring 2011
Nonprofit branding 2013, What has changed? NPQ Fall 2013
Problem boards or board problems? by Ryan, Chait, Taylor, NPQ 2003
Reframing governance II by Ryan, Chait, Taylor, NPQ 2003
The permanent disruption of social media by Julie Dixon & Denise Keyes, Stanford Center for Innovation Review, Winter 2013.
Underestimating the power of non profit governance, NPQ Jan 2013
www.heatherdurenberger.com