THE First, Enriching the work of the Board

THE First, Enriching the work of the Board

THE NEW WORK OF THE NONPROFIT BOARD Nowadays it seems crucial to reframe the work of the Nonprofit Boards in order to redefines nonprofit governance. In fact it appears that today’s Nonprofit Boards have multiples roles and responsibilities to face with.However it seems they have lost slowly of their efficiency during the years and “The New Work of Nonprofit Board”, article by Barbara Taylor, Richard Chait and Thomas Holland helped us to understand the reasons of this decline and in a second approach gives a lucid guide to an important renewal, and provides a road map that leads Nonprofits boards, trustees and executives to governance as leadership. For severals reasons, Nonprofits Boards appear not as strong as a couple of years ago. They become “dusty” and in most of the case have lost their capacity to deal with important matters in a real time.I feel that the article put the accent on the necessity to change. The Nonprofits Board have to become truly active and be able to find the solutions to improve.

I feel that they need to develop strategies for strengthening their role. There is a real need to reframe how we define the problem of Board performance. I personally agree and retain that the problem seems to be rooted in the Board’s lack of clarity about its role. The Boards do not have a strong sense of purpose and the solution is to find what matters. Some Boards cannot see the relation of their work to the organization’s mission.This makes it more difficult for them to become engaged in and enjoy their work.

Compounding the problem is the reality that Boards are being pushed by CEO, States and other entities to focus on accountability. While that is one necessary role, it is only one part of “purpose. ” Also, The article gave me severals points I would like to point out as a way of improvement. First, Enriching the work of the Board is a key to improve Board performance. People are more motivated when they are interested and engaged in their work; and if they are more motivated, they will give more time.They might find easier to focus on what are the priorities and concentrate on the strategic points. In addition the organization and how to select the goals in a real time schedule seems a necessity.

In fact, on a second part, the article suggests to have a constant agenda including meetings and votes. To Promote robust discussions in smaller groups where each individual can share and argue his opinion toward a specific topic. That leads me to talk about the Communication aspect which I believe crucial. The interpretations by Board members about what a situation is or what requires attention are necessary.Also, the Boards members might have multiple knowledge and talents serving different point of view.

The relationship between the Board Members and the CEO is not to forget as well. I reckon that together they can build a better image of the company and get to know and hold on their Stakeholders. In addition it seems important to choose wisely the Boards members. I strongly feel that no decision the company makes regarding its Nonprofit organization carries more importance than who is chosen to lead it. The members of the Board make up the governing body of the Nonprofit and are legally accountable for its actions.

Practically speaking, they are accountable to supporters and beneficiaries to oversee the accomplishment of the organization’s purposes. First of all, It is select people who share the sense of mission. If they do not care deeply about the very purpose of the organization, their value is minimal. Secondly, they must possess a certain level of business or organizational competency. It is not necessary for them to have prior experience as business leaders, but they should understand principles of good business practices.They should be long-game strategic thinkers. They should be willing to give of their time and money to see the organization’s mission accomplished.

They should always understand that their role is governance, not management. Governance establishes mission and programs, while management actively works those programs under accountability to governance. Finally I reckon they must be people of integrity, able to work as a team. In fact, each members might be extremely talented in their field but less competent in someone’s else area of work.I would like to keep the image of the article “ Focus on the Constellations, Not the Stars”. Again, people are by nature more talented in certain areas and it is important to keep that point in mind as the company appoints members. I believe a Business Leader might be less productive alone than in a group of similar talents all focus to reach a same goal.

A “constellations” of stars united can certainly work toward the same aspirations and lead to a stronger development. Balance seems essential and help can come either from inside or outside consultants.Finally, thanks to the points above and illustrated in the review, I understand the importance of a reorganization of the Nonprofit Board. These days, the Board’s contribution is meant to be powerful and strategic. To focus on purposes and goals is what make the difference. I also believe in the joint product of talented people brought together to apply their skills and experience.

Communication is as well required between the CEO, Board members and Stakeholders to enrich and participate to the growth of an healthy structure.