As the leader of the board, the chair plays a vital role in building and cultivating an effective team and promoting a healthy partnership with an organization’s staff. Certain attributes such as time availability, passion for the mission and strong interpersonal skills are undeniably essential for board chairs. Here are six additional characteristics of great board chairs:
Cultivate effective decision making
Nonprofit boards often confront difficult decisions that require thoughtful discussion and consideration of diverse points of view. Board members should feel empowered to share their perspective and even professionally disagree. At some point, however, the board must come to a consensus in order to provide meaningful direction that advances the organization’s mission. Great board chairs intentionally cultivate a culture that is inclusive of debate and discussion, and also conducive to effective decision making and progress.
Put board members in position to succeed
A board is a team of individuals with diverse skills, interests and perspectives. Board members find value and purpose in different aspects of their role. Some may be eloquent ambassadors for the mission, while others prefer to contribute in less visible ways. Great board chairs take the time to understand the unique value each member brings to the team and then intentionally seek out opportunities to put members in positions to be successful based on their talents and passions.
Facilitate meaningful meetings
Time is perhaps the most precious gift board members have to give. Whether the board comes together once a month or just a few times each year, it is essential that those gatherings be meaningful and productive. Great board chairs develop the agenda for the meeting thoughtfully and collaboratively with fellow board members and the executive. They also think critically about the facilitation of the meeting and who best possesses the skill and interest to do so effectively.
Board chairs are a bit like presidents — they hold the office for a limited period of time and often receive credit when things go well and blame when things go poorly. Great board chairs foster a culture of shared, rather than individual, success. They speak in terms of “our” success rather than “my” success. They recognize that the protagonist in the story is always the mission of the organization, rather than any one individual or leader.
An important corollary to shared success is succession. Healthy boards rely on a steady stream of prepared and effective leaders. The cadence of governance also depends on building momentum from month to month and year to year. Boards that experience an inconsistent level of performance from one board chair to the next struggle to build the necessary momentum for lasting impact. Therefore, great board chairs keep a keen eye on succession, ensuring that the individuals to follow are engaged, prepared and excited to assume the mantle of leadership.
If you reflect on the most effective teams you have ever been a part of, one characteristic is seemingly mentioned more often than any other: accountability. Board members are accountable for their fiduciary duties. They are accountable for attending meetings. They are accountable for fulfilling the expectations the organization has created for its members. Creating formal and professional processes to track and ensure this accountability is a hallmark of a great board chair.
The board chair and executive director are pivotal partners in nonprofit organizations. Together, and with their respective teams, they hold the promise of what an organization can be and the impact it can have on the community. With preparation, support and intentionality, great board chairs can elevate an organization’s present impact and set it on a path towards sustainable success.
