Remember the joys and pains of growing up?
I've been helping to plan my high school reunion (don't ask which one, please), so I have been flooded with memories of my adolescent and high school years.
Those memories also spark reflections on how so much of growing up is about letting go of beliefs and habits that no longer serve us well.
It's certainly true of leaders.
And it’s very true for nonprofit boards. As the organization they serve goes through its own awkward phase, the board needs to do that alongside it (ideally).
The working board of the first years isn't the board that the organization needs when it begins to mature. Alas, so many continue as working boards, challenged to loosen their grip and take on a new level of governance.
There will be inevitable discomfort during this phase, but with focus, boards can grow up alongside the organization and adapt their governance practices to meet the current moment.
And it’s possible to have some fun while doing it. Really.
This week I break down four categories of performance boards let go of as they mature, and why the tension in the meantime deserves more patience than frustration. I also offer up guiding questions for boards that want to give this a try.
Check it out and let me know what you think:
Governance Growing Pains
Until next time,
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