Episode #286
Would you like to change the culture of your board?
In this week’s episode, Andrea Kihlstedt shares what may be a new way of thinking for you. She also shares several ideas that will help you energize your board members.
Besides helping people build stronger boards, Andrea is a master at capital campaigns. If you are thinking of starting a capital campaign, or are in one now, then check out Andrea’s resource at Capital Campaign Masters.
If you have any stories or advice around changing the culture of your board, please share it with everyone else. Leave a comment under the video. Thanks.
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If you have any stories or advice around changing the culture of your board, please share it with everyone else. Leave a comment. Thanks. 🙂
Great message, Andrea. And I love your new book!
I encourage nonprofits to build at least one thing into every board meeting that gives board members something to talk about when they’re out to lunch or at a cocktail party or sports event — some insider info or experience that other people don’t have.
I also suggest that we spend a few minutes of every board meeting giving them the tools to be a better board member, since they’ll all move on to other boards after ours: how to ask governing questions about the financials, how to work a room (asking open-ended questions), how to speak compellingly to a legislator or reporter, how to be a great host at our events, etc.
We can always offer thank you cards or in-person recognition to board members, calling out a single attribute of theirs so they feel seen, known, and heard.
This past year I gave my board the opportunity to meet Susan Howlett and hear her speak about board fundraising! It was invigorating! I’ve seen amazing things happen with the fundraising team. So it does work to do fun unexpected things with board members! They still talk about that evening.
Board culture is a real thing! If you don’t purposefully build it, it will grow on its own, and that’s not always a good thing.
Every now and then you see a video or read an email or even attend a seminar that is an affirmation of what you are doing right. My team does this with our board and it works beautifully. I’ve always beloved at the core of a solid board is a solid board support and recognition program. After two decades of managing and supporting boards I can attest to the fact when you treat your board members well, it will pay off in spades.
Thank you for those great reminders and tips Andrea!
A completely delightful reminder that our work is lifted by being of service to our donors and our board members. And I LOVED her nod to her colleague! We are all always learning in the doing.