The Vulnerability of the Nonprofit Board Chair

It feels vulnerable to step into any leadership position, but especially one that paradoxically comes with big demands and high stakes, yet, little to no orientation, training, and support.

It can be scary to ask questions about things we’re “supposed to know” and scarier still to admit when we feel stuck or unsure.

These insights came from a blogpost by Marla Cornelius, Senior Project Director at CompassPoint Nonprofit Services about the impact of board chairs. Great post.

She said that in her experience, board chairs revealed a hunger to talk—really talk—openly and candidly about what it means to be a board chair.

Because the role has such potential (and can be so very challenging!) it’s important that they not go it alone.

Together with the executive director, they have the potential to change more lives and do more good than many of us will ever have in our lives.

Playing Small

I find myself wondering if board chairs play small.kittens

If I came into that role with minimal training and support and no one to voice my most pressing fears with…

Yes, I think I’d play small.

  • I’d use boilerplate board meeting agendas
  • I’d stick to Robert’s Rules like flypaper
  • I’d dumb down the challenges facing the organization
  • I’d pretend to be thinking big
  • I’d postpone evaluating the ED
  • I’d put strategic planning on hold
  • I’d put off holding other board members accountable
  • I’d avoid asking for major gifts

It’s easy for me to pontificate – I’m not a board chair at the moment. As a matter of fact, I’ve never been one.

I’ve been a board member many times. I’ve been an ED and I’ve coached both board chairs and ED’s.

But that’s different. “I haven’t walked in your shoes.”

The Intersection of Vulnerability and Leadership

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After reading Marla’s post, I began thinking about the link between leadership and vulnerability, and what that would look like for a nonprofit board chair.

I went straight to Brene Brown’s work on this one. She’s done extensive research on the topic and is considered the authority.

If you haven’t seen her TED Talk, watch it here. It’s had more views than…whatever – it’s a lot. And I found a series of 4- minute clips of hers here on vulnerability and leadership.

Of course a board chair, or any leader can’t stand up in front of employees, volunteers, and stakeholders and say

“Geez, I’m over my head, I have no idea what I’m doing.”

But you have to say it to someone if you’re going to grow, learn, and get past it.

The motivation to take a risk and let yourself be vulnerable is knowing that you can’t do it alone.cage rattling

The motivation is knowing that by becoming a better leader, its power can be transformative.

If failure and discomfort is not an option, innovation’s not an option. The objective is not comfort, it’s courage.

Imagine what’s possible if board chairs rose up and led using the intelligence, resources, creativity and talent that I know they have?

Here’s how to change the game

It’s important for board chairs to adopt a learner’s mindset and connect with other chairs to discuss the challenges that come with this important—but difficult—job.

Mentorship, peer learning and leadership development are the most impactful ways to empower board chairs.

These ideas will get you started.

  1. Prioritize it! Don’t use money as an excuse. 
  2. Have the difficult conversation. Sit down with whoever you trust and discuss.
  3. Explore peer-learning. Do some networking and find another board chair to connect with. Eventually, start your own mastermind group of board chairs.
  4. Get a coach.
  5. Dive into leadership development training for nonprofit board chairs. They do exist. Travel if you have to.

Does the idea of vulnerability and leadership, and the isolation that many board chairs experience peak your interest?

Share this if it resonates.

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