IS YOUR BOARD, BORED?

Let’s face it, sometimes nonprofit board members are simply bored. It is not unusual for boards to feel disengaged or uninspired. It’s also not uncommon for board members to focus on the negative, or dwell on the problems facing the organization. Does this describe the board that you belong to? 

It need not be like this and, in fact, it shouldn’t be like this. All the data point to the fact that a highly engaged, strengths-based, and motivated board can be a highly positive game-changer for a nonprofit organization. But how do you put the brakes on a trend like this? Is it too late in the game to turn things around?

The good news is that there is a very powerful tool rooted in Appreciative Inquiry that can totally turn things around. It’s called The Problem to Opportunity Tree. The step-by-step instructions below (borrowed from “How to Flip Any Problem To Find Positive Ways Past It Without Ignoring Negatives” on the Coaching Leaders website) will guide you through this transformative process.

Step-by-step explanation of the process:

Step One: Use two flip charts, side by side. Draw a ‘problem tree’ on one. 

Step Two: Ask “What is the problem?” and when you get an agreement, write it on the trunk of the tree (for example, it’s “Lack of Communication”).

Step Three: Ask “What’s feeding this ‘Lack of Communication’ tree? What are the roots?” Write the suggestions on the roots.

Step Four: Ask “If that’s what we’re feeding the tree, what will it bear?” (i.e. what will be the results of the problem?) Write those on the leaves.

Step Five: Draw a second tree and ask “What is the positive opposite of the problem?” Write that on the trunk of the tree (in this case, “Strong Communication”).

Step Six: Ask what would be the best nutrients for this tree? Draw them on the roots.

Step Seven: What will be the results of Strong Communication? Draw them as leaves.

Step Eight: Now they have moved from analyzing the problem to the causes of success and the possibilities it will generate.

You might want to dispose of the first tree; recycling it would be appropriate. But really use the second tree. Use the ‘roots’ to define goals and strategies, internalize the words on the trunk, and be inspired by the great outcomes that you have now defined as a team. This is the way forward.

For a great visual of these steps, check out this Problem to Opportunity Tree video. 

The Problem To Opportunity Tree is such a powerful tool. We use it in numerous different ways with the organizations we work with, and the outcomes are always incredibly powerful. The exercise transforms the energy in the room in a profound way and, now more than ever, as the communities we live in seem to be experiencing more and more problems, it seems incredibly important to share.

Of course, The Problem To Opportunity Tree doesn’t just apply at the team or organization level, it is equally pertinent to use this tool individually. A tool of self-care.