Tips for Creating a Strong, Effective Team
Many Directors wonder why their Board isn’t working well together.
The reasons can vary – differences in personalities and motivations for joining, ineffective
leadership, poor meeting management, agendas that seem thrown together last minute and on
from there. While any or all of these can contribute to dysfunction, there are certain keys to
building and maintaining a strong and effective Board.
For Boards that are already facing challenges, it’s crucial to revisit the foundation early. Start by
addressing any lingering issues to realign the team and move forward. If you’re just getting
started, these tips can set a positive tone from the very beginning, ensuring your Board gets off
on the right foot.
Set the Stage for Success
When the new Board convenes for its first meeting after the AGM, use part of the session to
talk about:
- The Board’s approach to governing;
- What will be required to build and maintain a culture of openness, trust and respect;
- The Board’s goals for growth and development over the next year; and
- The individual expectations and goals of each Director.
Encouraging these discussions early helps create a foundation for a more engaged and
collaborative Board.
Promote Open Communication and Strong Meetings
Avoid “group think” by encouraging diverse perspectives and ensuring every Director feels
comfortable voicing their opinions. Create opportunities for Directors to connect outside of
Board meetings to help create a sense of trust and camaraderie. To keep meetings productive,
develop and post a set of meeting rules that address common challenges and ensure respectful,
efficient discussions. A visible reminder in the boardroom can reinforce these expectations.
Beyond meetings, encourage Directors to engage in meaningful conversations about the
organization – its purpose, challenges and the people it serves. Using a decision matrix can also
help remove bias from major decisions by outlining clear criteria that every choice must meet.
Build the Right Team
Recruiting Board members should be intentional. Seek candidates who bring necessary skills
and expertise rather than just filling seats with friends or acquaintances. Before nominations,
ensure candidates understand the governance model, responsibilities and strategic direction of
the organization. Screen out those whose main motivation is padding their resume.
Additionally, electing a qualified Chair or President is crucial. If someone inexperienced takes on
the role, insist on training to ensure they know what goes into effectively leading the Board.
Keep Directors Engaged
All Boards function best when members are actively involved. Keep Directors engaged by:
- Providing opportunities for meaningful discussions about the organization’s purpose
and future; - Encouraging direct interaction with stakeholders to gain insights into community needs;
and - Assigning Directors to key roles in fundraising, communications and governance
committees.
Stay Focussed and Continually Improve
A strong Board regularly assesses its performance to stay effective. Check in throughout the
year – review meeting effectiveness, gather feedback and ensure discussions align with
strategic goals. Use these insights to refine processes, enhance collaboration and make
improvements.
Just as crucial is keeping governance and operations separate. The Board’s role is to provide
oversight and direction, not to manage day-to-day tasks. Steer the boat, don’t do the rowing!
Keeping agendas focussed on governance prevents micromanagement and ensures the Board
stays strategic.
A well-functioning Board isn’t built overnight: it requires intention, strategy and ongoing effort.
With the right approach, your Board can make waves!
As always, if you need further information about effective governance, please visit our Resources page. And make sure to get in touch with us if you have any questions about enhancing your Board’s effectiveness.