Board and Executive Director Relationship – Part 2/3: Board Excellence Blueprint

Last week we covered that one of the main ways to amplify your nonprofit’s impact is to support your Executive Director. Part of what makes your board able to give that support is by having out of this world board governance. This might sound overwhelming - but by following this Board Excellence Blueprint, your board will be outstanding in no time.

Master Your Meetings

Take a hard look at your agenda - it reveals your true priorities. Are you spending 70% of your time discussing future strategy and opportunities? It’s easy to get bogged down in routine reports – but the most effective boards focus primarily on what's ahead. Try to put only 20% of your time reviewing current performance and a mere 10% on administrative matters. You want to be sure the discussions you’re putting your time into are aligned with your goals.

Build Smarter Committees

Here’s the thing – you want to actually move the needle, not just talk about it. You know those committees that seem to exist just because they always have? Rethink them.  You want to build committees that focus on strategic initiatives rather than operations. Give each one clear authority with a well-defined scope. As high achievers, we love to know the expectations and then perform them well. (Who doesn’t love an excuse to pat yourself on the back?) When committees function properly, your full board meetings transform from tedious marathons to energizing strategy sessions.

Develop Your Board (Intentionally)

This means honest annual self-assessments, mapping your collective skills to identify gaps, and building a purposeful pipeline for new members. There are always areas for growth and new ways to adapt, so don’t shy away – lean into it! Great boards don't materialize out of thin air—they're carefully cultivated over time.   

Before you knock down your entire house to rebuild - remember, excellence is a journey. Don't try overhauling everything at once. Pick one area, master it, then move to the next. Your nonprofit's mission deserves this level of intentionality and care.   

Stay tuned for the third and final part of this series: Creating an Excellent Working Relationship!  

You can find Carrie’s LinkedIn post with the Board Excellence Blueprint here. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more insights!