Nonprofit Governance Assessment Checklist
Nonprofit Governance Assessment Checklist (PDF) Click here to view or download the checklist referenced in The Wyland Report e-newsletter.
Role of the Board Chair
The Role of the Nonprofit Board Chair The nonprofit board chair’s role is one of the most important, least well-defined, and least understood leadership positions. Many nonprofit by-laws refer to the chair’s responsibility to manage board meetings, and, generally, act as an officer of the corporation. Usually, a board chair’s unwritten or implied responsibilities are […]
The Tragedy of the Nonprofit Executive Committee
The Tragedy of the Nonprofit Executive Committee A nonprofit board chair or CEO calls us to ask for help with their board. Board members aren’t showing up for meetings, so quorums are a problem. Some board members want to micromanage, while others can’t wait to leave the board. We ask what the problem areas are, […]
Term Limits: Only ‘Perfect’ Boards Can Do Without Them
Term Limits: Only ‘Perfect’ Boards Can Do Without Them (featured in The NonProfit Times 2/1/2003, page 12) Alice Korngold admits in her essay, “Term Limits: Only Dysfunctional Boards Need Them” (NP Times FME, 10/15/2002), that her view is contrary to current “best practice” in board operation. I believe that the practice of term limits for […]
For CEOs — Six Characteristics of Good CEO/Board Relationships
For CEOs — Six Characteristics of Good CEO/Board Relationships The title may be Director, Executive Director, Executive Secretary, Executive Vice President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), or something else like Exalted Ruler. Whatever they’re called, the lead staff person for your nonprofit has a special responsibility within the organization — to work with and be responsive […]
What is the Right Size for Your Nonprofit’s Board?
What is the Right Size for Your Nonprofit’s Board? It’s not uncommon for us to be asked our opinion on nonprofit board size. How many are too many? How many is not enough? Is there a minimum or maximum size? Is there a standard rule to follow? In this article, we’ll address what various authors […]
Seven Member Characteristics of a Strong Board
Seven Member Characteristics of a Strong Board Passion – Each board member must have an *expressed* commitment to the organization’s cause. Believing in the mission — the cause — of the organization must come first. There are many talented board members who occupy board positions and seldom, if ever, give of their time, talent, money, […]