Your job as an Executive Director will be easier if your Board Chair is a strong leader. They need your support to be effective, and you will pay the price if your Board Chair does not do their job well.
Let’s look at ways you can support the Chair of your Board of Directors, so they can harness the skills and resources of the rest of the Board:
Form a Genuine Connection with Your Board Chair
Building a strong relationship with your Board Chair begins with forming a genuine human connection. Take the time to understand what drives them—their motivations, frustrations, and learning styles. This will help you communicate more effectively and develop an effective partnership.
As you invest time in getting to know your Chair, allow them to get to know you. This mutual understanding fosters goodwill and a sense of shared purpose, which can significantly strengthen your relationship with the entire Board.
Empower Your Board Chair to be Successful
Whether your Chair was carefully groomed through a succession plan or stepped in because no one else volunteered, they will need your support to succeed.
By providing timely information, serving as a strategic thought partner, keeping them informed about committee work, and maintaining a strong, candid relationship, you enable the Chair to lead effectively.
Here is a seven-set approach to support your nonprofit Board Chair:
1. Providing Timely and Relevant Information
- Proactive Communication: Keep your Chair informed about all aspects of the organization. This includes updates on:
- finances,
- program outcomes,
- fundraising efforts,
- staffing changes, and
- relevant news or trends in the nonprofit sector.
Providing summaries or key points along with detailed reports can make it easier for the Chair to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. When they are focused, they will lead the Board in a more strategic way.
- Anticipating Needs: Think ahead about the information your Chair might need for upcoming meetings, decisions, or public appearances. By anticipating their needs, you enable them to respond to issues swiftly and confidently. You also are building trust by making sure they have the resources they need when they need it.
- Know Their Learning Style:Understanding whether your Chair sees things from a hands-on approach or a broader, big-picture view. This knowledge will help you tailor your communication to their preferences, avoiding potential power struggles and frustration.
2. Serving as a Strategic Thought Partner
- Annual Work Plan Development: Work closely with your Chair to develop a comprehensive Board work plan. This should include key milestones, goals, and timelines for the Board’s activities for the year. Try to plan based on key phases, aligning Board meetings with major decision points, fundraising events, and strategic reviews.
- Facilitating Strategic Discussions: Engage your Chair in regular strategic discussions to reflect on Board progress and adapt the plan as needed. By meeting regularly with the Chair you can make sure you have time to address both short and long term goals and get out of a reactive posture.
3. Providing Committee Updates and Accountability
- Committee Liaison Role: As the Executive Director, you likely interact with various Board committees. Regularly brief the Chair on each committee’s work, including what has been achieved, what is in progress, and what may be falling behind. This allows the Chair to identify areas needing attention and focus their attention. You can support them in reaching out to individual members to iron out problems and keep them positively engaged.
4. Fostering a Candid and Supportive Relationship
- Building Trust: A strong relationship with your Chair is built on trust and open communication. Regular one-on-one meetings where you can discuss sensitive issues, brainstorm solutions, and share feedback are essential. This candid dialogue allows you both to address any potential issues before they escalate.
- Addressing Board Member Performance: By providing insights into each member’s engagement and performance, you can help your Chair keep the Board on task. In suggesting ways to re-engage Board members you serve as an invaluable partner to the Chair.
5. Delivering on Commitments
- Being Dependable: Your Chair will rely on you for various tasks, whether it’s providing data, drafting communications, or handling logistics. Make sure you meet deadlines and follow through on promises. This builds the Chair’s confidence in your partnership and allows them to focus on leading the Board rather than chasing details.
- Anticipating Challenges: If you foresee any challenges in delivering on a task, communicate this early to your Chair. Transparency about potential delays or obstacles allows for better planning and reduces the stress on your Chair.
6. Technical and Thought Support
- Operational Support: Offer administrative support to help your Chair manage their duties. This might include scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, or ensuring they have the necessary information and tools for decision-making. The goal is to reduce their administrative burden so they can focus on leadership.
- Thought Leadership: Beyond operational support, you can serve as a sounding board for your Chair’s ideas. Encourage innovative thinking, provide insights from your professional experience, and help them explore different perspectives. This collaboration can lead to more informed, strategic decisions that benefit the entire organization.
7. Recognizing and Appreciating the Chair’s Role
- Acknowledging Their Efforts: Regularly express appreciation for the Chair’s time and effort. A simple thank you or public acknowledgment at Board meetings can go a long way in maintaining their motivation and commitment.
- Balancing Expectations: Remember that your Chair is a volunteer with other professional and personal responsibilities. Be mindful of this when setting expectations for their involvement. Sometimes, offering to take on additional tasks or bringing in additional support can ease their workload.
By employing these strategies, you create a robust partnership with your Board Chair, making sure they have the tools, information, and support necessary to lead effectively. This not only enhances the Chair’s ability to guide the Board but also contributes to the overall success and sustainability of the organization.
If you need help with strengthening your relationship with your Board Chair, check out my 90-minute Board-focused strategy sessions.