Nonprofit Boards and Executive Leadership

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The relationship between nonprofit boards and executive directors can make or break an organization's effectiveness. In this illuminating conversation, governance consultant Nicole Gagliardi unpacks the often challenging dynamics that arise when boards and EDs try to navigate their roles and responsibilities.

Here are some key takeaways: 

• Boards hold ultimate accountability and delegate day-to-day management to executive directors
• Executive directors navigate relationships with multiple "bosses" who may not see themselves as employers
• Board members from corporate backgrounds often bring unconscious biases about nonprofit professionals
• Creating a detailed code of conduct helps define expectations and accountability for board members
• Conflict management skills should be a key consideration when selecting board chairs
• Neutral third parties can effectively mediate conflicts between boards and executive directors
• Confidentiality in governance should support trust rather than promote secrecy

Find Nicole (Nic) Gagliardi on LinkedIn or visit her website at riseandrun.co to learn more. Her biweekly newsletter "Nonprofit Board Stories" offers insights on governance challenges, and she has a new performance management system for small nonprofits coming this spring.