ProAct. Jeb

Anyone who’s ever worked at an organization understands that the board of directors holds a lot of power. As the governing entity for your organization, they’re responsible for making decisions regarding your strategic direction, budgeting, and programming. Because of the crucial importance of the board’s work, you want exceptional leaders at the helm to guide your organization along the correct path.

As any nonprofit leader knows, an effective and engaged board of directors is crucial to an organization’s long-term resilience and success. Healthy and productive boards don’t just happen, though. They require careful recruitment, consistent communication, genuine relationship-building, and clear expectations.

Members of a nonprofit board of directors are wonderful people. They are often accomplished professionals, visionary leaders, and passionate supporters of the cause. Interestingly, these characteristics of excellent directors can also set the stage for tension in the boardroom. Let’s look at four tips for defusing any conflicts. Clearly define roles and rules of conduct. The most effective boards and meetings have one thing in common: clear expectations.