Getting boards some respect
It’s humbling for a governance geek like me to confront (again) the brutal truth that board work isn’t much understood or valued by much of… Read More »Getting boards some respect
Board development
It matters who’s on the mountain with you (part 2)
A few posts back I suggested that for fundraisers, who it is that’s on the mountain with you makes a world of difference. The annual… Read More »It matters who’s on the mountain with you (part 2)
My mother-in-law’s Christmas cactus, Policy Governance, and a meaty metaphor
Next to a pithy phrase, a meaty metaphor is my favorite rhetorical device. It’s possible to say a lot with a few words. Case in… Read More »My mother-in-law’s Christmas cactus, Policy Governance, and a meaty metaphor
7 mid-summer projects for more productive board work in the fall
On Monday of this week, I highlighted a list of spruce-up projects guaranteed to enhance your fundraising results come fall. But it’s not just development… Read More »7 mid-summer projects for more productive board work in the fall
My apologetic for shared governance, without apology
If getting a bunch of college, university, or theological school trustees riled up is your idea of fun, try this. Mount a defense of shared… Read More »My apologetic for shared governance, without apology
Governance haiku
Number 1 Anticipation seated at the table, board members ready. Number 2 Motions caught in time, actions out of inaction. The pace of board (bored)… Read More »Governance haiku
Advice for anxious board chairs (and members who are led by them)
With a board meeting staring me in the face, I feel a bout of performance anxiety coming on. Everything I’ve taught or written about board… Read More »Advice for anxious board chairs (and members who are led by them)
The problem of the incredible shrinking board
You know the scenario. As the clock ticks down on a board meeting, seats begin to empty. No matter the announced ending time, there are… Read More »The problem of the incredible shrinking board
A five-step cure for boredom in the boardroom
If you ‘re the member of a ministry or other nonprofit board, chances are you know the frustration of a poorly run meeting. You’ve yawned… Read More »A five-step cure for boredom in the boardroom
Seven steps to a well-crafted meeting agenda
To most board members, agenda building is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Until they sit through a poorly run board meeting or two,… Read More »Seven steps to a well-crafted meeting agenda