Helping a Deeply Passionate Board With Clashing Ideas to Find Its Magic

I was recently asked to facilitate a leadership training and strategic planning retreat for the executive board of a volunteer led organization. The request came with an urgent plea to help the board to refocus and increase its accountability for delivering tangible (measurable) impact.

The process started with a customized, anonymous survey I sent to each member of the board. After several days of no responses, I checked in with my point of contact and asked "Is this an indication of what I can expect the day of the retreat?"

Clearly, this group would require kid gloves.

Finally, I started to see responses. Ultimately 4 of the 10 responded. The responses were as I had expected -- very little consistency. In one case where I had asked them to rate the group (poor, fair, good excellent) on its success in addressing a purpose (goal) outlined in their bylaws, each respondent gave a different answer. That was telling! For a moment, I feared I wouldn't be able to move the group from where they were to where I was asked to take them. 

But the optimist in me said, "Keep moving forward! You can do this!"

So I developed a full-day session that included interactive training, discussion, self-assessment, team building, setting of clear goals, identifying of agreed upon activities, and finally, personal goal setting. All of this would take place in what I told the group was "safe space". Participants were encouraged speak freely and listen actively but at all times use R-E-S-P-E-C-T.  

Though a low-energy, disconnected group begrudgingly entered the room lacking a clearly defined vision, they were in no short supply of passion and genuine commitment to their cause.

With each discussion and activity over the course of the day, the board gained more and more clarity as they developed a shared vision.  It was beautiful to witness!

By the end of the day, they were a force to be reckoned with! Their energy was bubbling over, members were taking pictures of my notes from the white boards (despite my promise to submit a formal report), and each one expressed how much they enjoyed the time we'd spent (even on a gorgeous day).

A few days later when I was reviewing their evaluations, I couldn't help from blushing when I read, "Thank you for your knowledge and skills and your magic in getting this board together."  There was definitely magic in the room, but it had always been inside that incredible board. It was my honor to help them bring to it out.  

Could your board use some help to bring out its magic? Let's talk.

Michelle Nusum-Smith, an experienced nonprofit leader, consultant, coach and trainer, is a self-proclaimed “Do-gooder who helps do-gooders to do good.” Michelle is the owner and principal consultant at The Word Woman LLC, a nonprofit consulting company. She has nearly 20 years nonprofit experience, including program development, financial management, fundraising (including grantwriting and individual donor cultivation), human resource management, marketing and public relations, board relations, and event planning.

www.thewordwomanllc.com • info@thewordwomanllc.com • 240-215-4984