The foundational relationship between nonprofit executive leadership and the board of directors provides the groundwork for success, acting as the pillars for organizational operations and goals. A robust working relationship between these two parties must be in place to work efficiently towards achieving the organization's mission, vision, and goals. This is not always easy to reach. A 2009 study highlights that all organizations are unique entities with different needs, resources, and staffing situations, meaning that no solution will ever be one size fits all. Despite this, the same 2009 study recognizes there are several core features that can be implemented to promote success in the relationship between executive leadership and the board of directors within a nonprofit organization. 

So what can be done? 

Create an understanding of roles and expectations

Whether your board of directors or executive leadership are new to their role or have years of experience, all nonprofit organizations differ. Both the board and leadership should ensure one another is appropriately set up to perform their role best, and the best way to do this is through a deep understanding of what is required. Ensure that there is a proper onboarding period for all new members that allows them to familiarize themselves with existing or new protocols, active and past projects, and, most importantly, an understanding of the organization's mission, vision, and values. 

Dedicate time to building trust

According to a 2011 report, executives reported spending only 5-10 hours per month on board business. In another 2007 report, board members reported averaging only 10 hours per month on organization business. This time is disproportionately low and does leave time for relationship or trust-building between these parties. Additionally, it can be hard to form confidence when you are unable to see the work being done firsthand. Consider how much time is being spent together per month, and consider raising this to allow for additional, low-pressure periods to familiarize one another with the varying personalities, backgrounds, and skills present in the organization. 

Invest in teamwork training

A simple focus on teamwork training could increase trust and improve productivity between executive leadership and the board of directors. Whether this looks like hosting a social mixer to encourage conversation outside of a meeting environment, a competitive teambuilding activity like a game or puzzle, or even a formal training with outside assistance, ensure that proper training and time are provided for the teams to get to know one another better. Both entities are equally crucial to the organization's success, and understanding how to work together best will boost morale and productivity and encourage more freedom and creativity in boardroom spaces. 

The benefits of working together

According to a 2015 study, the impact of increased trust in an organization's executive leadership and board relationship is a parallel increase in social capital. This social capital has been relatively unexplored but can potentially bring massive improvements to the sector. There are undoubtedly benefits that can be seen immediately as well, such as an increase in the productivity of board meetings, a higher level of creativity in organizational planning, and even, as highlighted in the same 2015 study, the potential for a high level of trust to foster a relationship of comfortable predictability. Ultimately, a nonprofit organization can utilize these techniques to examine current processes and improve for their future. 

Virginia Spencer is a 2024 graduate of the Masters of Nonprofit Leadership and Management program at Arizona State University and a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and Nu Lambda Mu Honor Society. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from William Peace University. She currently lives in North Carolina, where she is a Membership Associate for the North Carolina Association of Educators, an organization that strives to provide better conditions for public school staff and students in the state of NC through the power of collective action. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her husband, and spoiling her two dogs, Salt and Pepper. 

Image by Lillian Finley

Set up your board of directors for success with Board Governance Training from the ASU Lodestar Center

Effective, motivated boards are critical to a nonprofit organization’s ability to develop its capacity and achieve its mission. This board governance training consists of a series of topics that break down the best practices and responsibilities of an effective governing body. It's available in-person, virtually or hybrid, depending on your organization and needs.

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