Leading Practices of High Performing Non-Profit Boards

High performing boards are constantly ahead of the game with their top-notch governance policies and processes, enviable board and Executive Director/CEO evaluations and strategic board recruitment - these are just a few areas where they excel.

So how does a board get to that sweet spot where it runs like a well-oiled machine? What does it take to maintain high board performance? If you are asking “why them and not us?”, then read on!

Here is a break down of the leading practices of high performing non-profit boards. 

Set clear expectations for being a board member

So many times I hear board members say “if I had known how much time and effort I would need to give, I would have reconsidered”. Let new candidates know what they are signing up for including extra events and committee work. Have clear, comprehensive governance policies and role descriptions for all board and officer positions, and a well-defined terms of reference for each committee. 

Recruit the best and brightest

High performing boards are not afraid to continually review and refine and improve their recruitment and nominations processes. They put policies and processes in place that undo any “closed club” or “old school clique” stigmas and have embraced competency over popularity contests. They look beyond traditional networks and recruit the best and brightest. They know what candidates they are looking for with the right skills and experience, and they ensure there is a right mix of diverse voices.

Enforce the rules and hold your peers accountable

While many board members have good intentions, they will break the rules by not fulfilling basic duties like reading the meeting materials, arriving late for or missing meetings regularly, and letting their board and committee work slip through the cracks. Fellow board members need to hold their peers accountable by having conversations about following through on their commitments. 

Provide orientations and ongoing training

Orientations are a productive way of immersing new board members into the board and acting as refreshers for incumbent directors. High performing boards don’t stop there. They encourage board members to seek out training that will help them to be better board members. They bring in speakers that can value add to the board’s work. They embrace a culture of continuous learning and improvement and they budget for that accordingly. 

Implement term limits and ensure the “right” board size

Too many non-profits lack board term limits. High functioning boards ensure there is healthy turnover that constantly brings in fresh and diverse perspectives. They have spent significant effort to ensure their board is the “right” size for the organization - not too unwieldy and not too slim. 

Plan for board succession

The highest performing boards see recruitment as an ongoing process and not a 2-3 month per year project. They don’t scramble at the last minute to desperately fill positions, however, they continue to put in the hard work on an ongoing basis to find the best candidates throughout the year. They have a succession plan in place that maps out who will fill specific positions for years to come. They have procedures to reference in the event that any officers or directors step down suddenly for a short time or permanently. 

Create a strategic plan that is achievable and measure it

Many organizations undershoot when it comes to strategy and others are overwhelmed by overachieving plans. High performing boards find the right balance. And they ensure metrics are in place to measure their plan’s success. 

Streamline board meetings

The time we spend as volunteers and staff is precious. Streamline your meetings by using a consent agenda and by taking a hard look at how you use your board meeting time. Don’t read reports or updates that are in the meeting pre-reads. Get right to setting up the discussion required or lead with an ask or motion. 

It’s not the ED/CEO versus the board - we are all in it together

The board should have the ED/CEO’s back and vice versa. High performing boards are always there for advice and counsel when the ED/CEO is in need. They all leverage their networks and contacts to support each other and the organization. 

Your ego is not your amigo!

High functioning boards put aside their own personal agendas. They do what’s best for the organization as a whole, not what’s best for their business, region or chapter. They see the big picture and not what’s in it for individual directors. 

Structure committees effectively

Committee structures need to fully support the board and not just exist to check off boxes. Too much governance can be a poor return on member investment. High performing boards know that and create a committee structure that is relevant and effective. 

Embrace board evaluations 

Most people dislike performance reviews in general, whether they are paid staff or volunteers. High performing boards are committed to evaluating the board not just as a whole, but also as individuals. They step up to the challenge instead of avoiding it. 

Communicate… but don’t dominate!

Open lines of communication between the ED/CEO and board are critical for high performing boards - not just at meetings but in between. Everyone is encouraged to speak freely and contribute, but without dominating discussion.

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Becoming a high performing board takes hard work, but the payoff can be huge for a non-profit. Having a tight, dedicated board of champions who put the organization first and who are brave, results in very effective leadership.

As always, if you need help with any governance projects or to find out more about how your board can transition to a high performing team, don't hesitate to reach out. 

Yours in Good Governance,
Heather Terrence, CAE
Pinpoint Governance Group
647.984.9857

info@pinpointgg.ca