The relationship between the Executive Director and the Board Chair is critical to the success of a nonprofit organization. A strong, working relationship between these two positions goes a long way to ensuring that the relationship between the Board as a whole, and the rest of the organization, is also strong.

Passion is frequently cited as being the #1 desired quality in nonprofit Board members. But this begs the question, is passion enough? And the answer is a resounding “no.”

When organizations approach change management, they often do so through the lens of “fixing what’s wrong.” If a fundamental problem is identified, change initiatives are created to address it, and that is, of course, necessary.

To start with though, let’s define the term “Strategic Plan” and address some frequently asked questions. Harvard Business School defines strategic planning as “the ongoing organizational process of using available knowledge to document a business’s intended process.

The phrase ‘strategic planning’ evokes a lot of different emotions for nonprofit leaders. Lets face it, when you are in the weeds day-in and day out, just trying to keep your head above water, it doesn’t feel like there’s time for planning!

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month - which is a good opportunity to highlight the importance of self-care and mental well-being within the nonprofit workforce. Mental health impacts every aspect of our lives, mental health IS health!

Puzzle pieces representing the partnership between the Executive Director and Board Chair“All for one and one for all.” Taken from a T.V. series I watched as a kid, this very simple slogan carries a message of great importance, especially for nonprofit boards.

Puzzle pieces representing the partnership between the Executive Director and Board Chair

The Ambassadorial Role of Board Leadership