There are plenty of difficult and/or uncomfortable topics for boards to navigate today. Over the past several years, I have worked with boards to discuss such topics as determining the CEO’s fundraising goal, how the organization should approach DEI, difficult leadership, what the organization should do with unexpected funding, and whether a partnership or alliance should be the approach. These are just a few.
Regardless of the topic which needs to be discussed, I always begin Board conversations with a review and a deep discussion about the mission of the organization. The mission is the purpose for the nonprofit. A well written mission statement provides a sense of clarity in direction that can help guide difficult discussions in a focused manner.
Discussing the mission statement is more than reading it. I have found it necessary to ask each board member how he/she interprets each word or phrase in the statement. (You would be surprised how many people interpret their organization’s mission differently!) I ask what is the board’s role in driving the mission? (This leads to great discussion about the board’s role versus CEO’s role, etc.)
Once there is a common understanding of the nonprofit’s mission, I begin the discussion on the difficult topic. Throughout, I remind the group of the mission and ask what is best for driving the mission. Focusing on the mission removes much of the emotion out of the topic being discussed. Focusing on the mission aligns the board. Focusing on the mission removes personal agendas. Focusing on the mission fosters rich discussion.
Boards will and should have difficult discussions – it comes with the role of being a board member. Just make sure everyone remembers the reason they are there – to drive the mission of the organization.
Have a question for me? Send it to me at info@thecorleycompany.com.
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