According to leadingwithintent.org, every two years since 1994, BoardSource has been conducting a survey that gathers "information from both chief executives and board chairs on their experiences in the nonprofit boardrooms of America." They released their latest report last week.
Here's a list of the Top 6 findings:
1. Boards demonstrate room for improvement.
The findings reveal that boards are generally better at technical tasks, such as financial oversight and compliance, than they are at adaptive work related to strategy and community outreach.
2. Board members need to speak out more.
Advocacy should be a Board priority and Board members need to serve as informed champions for their missions.
3. Board diversity is increasing but gaps persist.
4. Best-in-class boards pay attention to culture and dynamics.
The real secret to board success — leadership culture — requires leading with intent: thoughtful planning, determined dedication, and collective commitment from chief executives, board chairs, and board members.
5. Board members need to embrace their roles as fundraisers.
Fundraising remains the great weakness of nonprofit boards.
6. Finding financial stability amid constant change requires strategic leadership.
In the wake of the economic downturn, nonprofits continue to find their funding declining and the demand for their services rising. The political, economic, and demographic forces shaping our society are constantly changing, and organizations must do the same if they wish to remain vital and vibrant.
See all of their findings and download the report at: http://leadingwithintent.org.
I certainly encourage you to share the report with your Board(s).
Here's a list of the Top 6 findings:
1. Boards demonstrate room for improvement.
The findings reveal that boards are generally better at technical tasks, such as financial oversight and compliance, than they are at adaptive work related to strategy and community outreach.
2. Board members need to speak out more.
Advocacy should be a Board priority and Board members need to serve as informed champions for their missions.
3. Board diversity is increasing but gaps persist.
4. Best-in-class boards pay attention to culture and dynamics.
The real secret to board success — leadership culture — requires leading with intent: thoughtful planning, determined dedication, and collective commitment from chief executives, board chairs, and board members.
5. Board members need to embrace their roles as fundraisers.
Fundraising remains the great weakness of nonprofit boards.
6. Finding financial stability amid constant change requires strategic leadership.
In the wake of the economic downturn, nonprofits continue to find their funding declining and the demand for their services rising. The political, economic, and demographic forces shaping our society are constantly changing, and organizations must do the same if they wish to remain vital and vibrant.
See all of their findings and download the report at: http://leadingwithintent.org.
I certainly encourage you to share the report with your Board(s).