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.

The Executive Director need not be the sole nurturer. A ‘nurturing team’ could include other appropriate staff members, or even a mentor trustee with similar board responsibilities at another nonprofit.

Expectations
One resounding theme around the table was to set expectations so that board members can see how they contribute directly to the mission. We heard how board members can appear disengaged, but once they understand how their strengths and skills help move the organization forward, they are inspired to contribute to that success. One tool to accomplish this is to create a personalized agenda for each board member, outlining expectations that speak to their strengths.

Accountability
With a personalized agenda in hand, it’s easy to track progress towards goals. In a good board/staff relationship, we hold one another accountable. Staff supports the board so that they have what they need to set, accomplish, and report on their goals. Regular check-ins between staff and board members are a good way to hold each other accountable and to keep strengthening those working relationships.

In great staff/board relationships, each person’s contributions are optimized and satisfaction prevails. The transparent, individualized approach described by our guests helps keep the right people energized and effective, and may even point to the gaps in expertise on the board.

How do these ideas apply to your own board/staff relationship?

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Maureen Reed-McNally is a program officer at GMA Foundations; she can be reached at mreedmcnally@gmafoundations.com