What can nonprofits teach us about great boards?
NPO Conversation
We met recently with leaders from six Boston-area nonprofits to get their perspectives on building great staff/board relationships. Their advice has practical applications for our work with private foundations.
Nurture
Like any relationship, staff/board relationships need nurturing, commitment, and trust. It takes time to develop a relationship and it takes work on both sides. One tactic to ensure the board relationship receives the attention it needs is for staff to think of the board as a program of the organization. Plan to nurture the board, setting aside time to get to know each trustee, set and achieve goals, and assess progress.
