Is Your Board Ready for a Checkup? Understanding Board Assessment: Part 1 of 2

Certain habits and routines are so familiar to us that we do them as a matter of practice.  Once a year, it is recommended that we visit our doctor for a physical.  Every 3,000 miles or so, we change the oil in our car.  Every 6 months, we check the batteries in our smoke detectors at home.  We don’t do these things because something is wrong or broken.  Rather, we do them because there is value in checking in, value in a tune up, and value in establishing priorities for the future.  Board assessment is similar in many ways.

In Part 1 of this 2-part blog series, explore the value of a Board Assessment as a tool for enhancing the health and performance of your Board.  In Part 2, we will look at various tools and methods of Board Assessment and address frequently asked questions to maximize the impact on your Board.

Like any team, most nonprofit Boards will go through periods in which they are clicking on all cylinders and periods in which performance or effectiveness may dip.  Just as having an annual physical may catch any symptoms of declining health at an early stage, so too can a Board Assessment help surface any early signals of declining effectiveness.  A Board Assessment process offers the following benefits:

Greater Self Awareness

Boards are not able to address issues unless they first have a mechanism for identifying them.  By providing Board members an opportunity to hold a mirror up to their own performance, a Board Assessment provides a safe and effective means of surfacing issues before they lead to conflict or dysfunction.  Often, Board members will say during a discussion of the assessment results, “I had a feeling that was something we needed to address, but it is reassuring to see that others feel the same way.” On the flip side, a Board Assessment can also offer teams an opportunity to celebrate the areas in which they are thriving.

Alignment of Board Practices with Organizational Strategy

Boards, like nonprofit organizations themselves, proceed through stages of a life cycle.  The practices of the Board of a fledgling nonprofit often differ from those of an established organization.  Likewise, as the strategic priorities of a nonprofit evolve, so too must its Board habits to promote alignment and effectiveness.  A Board Assessment helps align the priorities of the Board with the strategic imperatives of the organization.  

Goal Setting

During Board retreats, I will often ask Board members, “What are your top priorities for the coming year as a Board?”  Often, I will hear responses such as, “Be more engaged” or “Just be better.”  While there is nothing wrong with these sentiments, they are akin to your doctor telling you at your physical to “Just be healthier.”  The truth is that Boards have many responsibilities -- governance, fundraising, oversight, strategy, ambassadorship.  It can seem overwhelming at times.  A Board Assessment serves as an effective goal-setting process for Boards, helping members identify what’s important now (W.I.N.) and what 2-3 aspects of their governance responsibilities are most critical to address in the coming year.  By providing tangible areas of focus and action steps, a facilitated Board Assessment can provide greater clarity and focus for your Board.   

Be sure to check back for Part 2 of this blog series for discussion of the various types of Board Assessment and the benefits of each, along with answers to frequently asked questions!  If you have additional questions about Board Assessment, or would like to explore bringing the Nielsen Training & Consulting Signature Board Champions Assessment to your organization, please reach out to us at gregory@nielsenconsults.com.  

NEW Stimulus Navigator for Nonprofits

Nielsen Training & Consulting and Civitas Strategies are pleased to release a FREE resource to help you navigate stimulus funding and how to apply. The Stimulus Navigator takes you step-by-step through the key questions you need to answer to determine eligibility, forms needed, and even provides easy to complete worksheet samples.

Topics Covered:

• PPP Round 1

• PPP Round 2

• Employee Retention Tax Credit 2020 and 2021

• EIDL Advance with NEW information

• Families First

Click below to access the Stimulus Navigator. If you have additional questions or would like to set up a consultation, please contact us. Stay safe and stay well friends!

6 Key Questions to Better Understand Stimulus Funding for Nonprofits

From PPP Round 2 to Employee Retention Tax Credits, EIDL to Families First, there are many pathways to stimulus funding support for your nonprofit, but so little time available to learn them all. How can you maximize your opportunity? Learn about the six questions you need to answer to get the stimulus funding your nonprofit needs and deserves.

5 Habits of Healthy Boards Podcast

I recently sat down with my friend and colleague Patrick Jinks of The Jinks Perspective for an episode of his podcast The Leadership Window. Listen as I discuss with Patrick the 5 habits of healthy Boards. We also discuss practical, actionable strategies for elevating the performance and engagement of your Board.

Latest News: Stimulus Package 2020

Gary Romano of Civitas Strategies and Gregory Nielsen of Nielsen Training & Consulting discuss the impact of the potential stimulus bill on nonprofits and small businesses. We discuss what we know now, what we are hearing, and how the potential legislation could impact nonprofits and small businesses. Topics covered include:

• Next round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

• Direct stimulus payments for individuals and families

• Charitable giving incentives

• Refundable tax credits available to nonprofits and small businesses

Upcoming Webinar: Successfully Navigating PPP Forgiveness

DATE: Monday, December 21, 2020
TIME:  12pm - 1pm eastern time
REGISTRATION FEE: $50
PRESENTER:  Gregory Nielsen

DESCRIPTION:
Will your PPP loan be forgiven? For many nonprofits and other small businesses, this is a vital question.

Your Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan remains debt on your books until you receive forgiveness. Prepare to maximize forgiveness by understanding the process, the requirements, the forms and the timeline. Leave prepared to navigate the forgiveness process and maximize loan forgiveness under the PPP.

All attendees will receive a pdf copy of the PPP Forgiveness Handbook providing step by instructions for selecting and completing each form!

Register below!

FREE Webinar: Tools for More Effective Board Meetings and Decision Making

Time is precious, and so is your organization's mission.

Join me this Thursday, 12/10 at 1pm for a FREE webinar on "Tools for More Effective Board Meetings and Decision Making." My colleague Bill Neigher and I will discuss how to approach the challenges of board-level decision making in a virtual environment and will offer strategies for strengthening the effectiveness and impact of your work. Register below!

Board Champions Workshop

1 in 5 teens experience some form of hearing loss. 2.7 million veterans have service-connected hearing disabilities or are in treatment for hearing-related issues. Hearing Loss Association of America strives to give people the tools they need to live more successfully with hearing loss and to show them they do not have to face hearing loss alone. Honored to facilitate a Board Champions workshop for this talented Board!

North Carolina Nonprofits Conference

Looking forward to presenting at next week's North Carolina Center for Nonprofits virtual conference. I will be leading a session on Board governance entitled "From 'Survivor' to 'Amazing Race:' Developing Board Champions." Join me there!

Alagille Syndrome Alliance Board Retreat

Honored to facilitate the Board Retreat for the Board and staff team of Alagille Syndrome Alliance. The Alagille Syndrome Alliance is an international nonprofit started in 1993. This talented and passionate team mobilizes resources, facilitates connections, promotes unity, and advocates for a cure to inspire, empower, and enrich the lives of people affected by Alagille Syndrome.

CASA of Lexington Strategic Planning Retreat

Effective strategy development requires thoughtful planning, an understanding of your nonprofit’s landscape, and a process for Board and leadership to make critical and effective decisions. I was honored to facilitate the strategic planning retreat this week for CASA of Lexington. CASA of Lexington’s trained and supervised volunteers advocate through the family court system to ensure all victims of child abuse and neglect are provided a safe and permanent home. So grateful for the vital work of CASA to benefit children and families!

Enduring Hearts Board Retreat

Did you know that heart transplants don’t last a lifetime? The average is 17 years. 1 in 4 kids face a chance of needing another within 5 years. Enduring Hearts is a nonprofit dedicated to funding innovative research aimed at improving the lives of children living with transplanted hearts. Honored to facilitate today's Board retreat with this vital organization!

Join Me at the Upcoming Build a Thriving Nonprofit Summit!

Excited to share that I will be presenting a workshop entitled "Engaged Board, Effective Fundraising" at the upcoming Build A Thriving Nonprofit Summit.

This summit was created to help you raise more money to increase your impact, engage your board to help fund your mission, and build community awareness to increase your donor base.

The summit is FREE, kicks off on Tuesday, October 27 and it’s going to be 4 action-packed days that you won’t want to miss.

Click the link below to learn more and hope you will join me there!

Pivotal Partners: Board Chair-Executive Director Partnership to Propel Your Mission

Board Chairs and CEOs may come from different backgrounds almost assuredly reflecting different life experiences, but together they hold the promise of what an organization can become and the impact it can have on the lives of those served. Honored to facilitate a series of workshops with the Executive Directors and Board Chairs of CASA programs from across Kentucky entitled “Pivotal Partners: Board Chair-Executive Director Partnership to Propel Your Mission.” With Executive Directors and their Board Chairs attending as a team, this engaging and interactive program featured critical discussions focused on developing the habits, practices, and relationships necessary to propel the organization’s mission forward. Special thanks to Kentucky CASA Network for sponsoring the workshop and bringing these outstanding leaders together!

Board Champions Assessment

Boards play a vital role in fostering a culture of evaluation. Healthy Boards embrace opportunities to reflect on their performance and establish clear governance priorities. Enjoyed facilitating our proven Board Champions Assessment (BCA) Tm yesterday with the outstanding team from Allegany Franciscan Ministries.

Board Development

Honored to lead a Board development session last night with the talented and committed Board of JFCS Louisville. Through an impressive array of programs and services, JFCS expands possibilities for each person and every family to meet life’s challenges with confidence.

Virtual Summit for Nonprofit Changemakers

Honored to lead a session last evening on “Demystifying Donor Advised Funds” as part of the Virtual Summit for Nonprofit Changemakers. Donor Advised Funds are currently philanthropy’s fastest growing vehicle, accounting for over 12% of individual charitable giving. Thoroughly enjoyed the interactive discussion during the session and the outstanding questions. Special thanks to Amy Devita and the team from TopNonprofits for presenting a fantastic learning and relationship building event!

Developing Relationships Among Board Members

Creating time for Board members to reflect and connect as colleagues and teammates builds the relationships necessary to govern and make effective decisions.

Honored to facilitate yesterday’s Board retreat with the leaders of Allegany Franciscan Ministries.

Allegany Franciscan Ministries is rooted in the tradition and vision of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and works with community partners in three regions of Florida formerly served by the Sisters’ hospitals: Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties, and the Tampa Bay area of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. Since awarding its first grant in 1998, Allegany Franciscan Ministries has invested $101 million to over 1,700 organizations serving those most in need in these communities.

Recruiting for a Healthy Nonprofit Board

Healthy Boards are intentional about recruiting members who bring a diversity of skills, talents, leadership styles, backgrounds, and perspectives to the team. Honored to facilitate a (socially distanced) Board workshop on recruiting last evening with the leaders of SeniorCare Experts.

Reimagining Nonprofit Board Meetings

Imagine the most energizing meeting you have ever participated in.  Perhaps it included colleagues at work, or teammates playing a sport you love.  What made that meeting so effective and memorable?  Having asked this question of hundreds of nonprofit CEOs and Board members over the years, I’d like to share the consistent themes that have emerged from these conversations that can transform your nonprofit Board meetings from draining to dynamic.  Taken together, they provide a framework for reimagining your next Board meeting agenda.  

• Connect as a team.

Research consistently shows that Boards that take time to get to know one another socially and connect as individuals rather than just as Board members consistently perform at a higher level.  It makes sense -- Boards are a team and teams rely on expectations, support, trust, and accountability.  Intentionally building time into every Board meeting agenda to connect as people and teammates provides a foundation for effective governance and decisionmaking.  You don’t have to facilitate the ultimate icebreaker.  Rather, focus on how we as a team can get to know one another just a bit better.     

• Celebrate progress.

Nonprofits address exceedingly complex and persistent community challenges.  A temptation often creeps into our Board meetings to focus solely on how far we still have to go in our mission rather than how far we have come.  I challenge you instead to intentionally celebrate progress at every Board meeting.  You will find that when you reflect on the progress you have made and the joyful moments experienced since you last met as a Board, a renewed energy permeates the room and carries through the rest of the meeting.  Think -- what are we most proud of this month?

• Identify and discuss the most pressing challenges.

Board members regularly tell us they are most engaged during meetings that feature discussion and debate rather than simply recitation of reports.  Use of a consent agenda -- a mechanism for grouping routine reports into a packet shared prior to the Board meeting -- can free up vital Board meeting time for more engaging and strategic discussions.  Additionally, one of the most important skills of a nonprofit CEO is identifying the areas that require Board engagement and discussion.  In planning the agenda, the CEO and Board Chair should discuss and agree on the 1, 2, or 3 issues that are most pressing for Board discussion and action at the upcoming meeting.  Narrowing the topics and even sharing the vital questions prepares the Board to be strategic, focus on vital topics, and make effective decisions that provide needed direction.  

• Review commitments.  

Productive meetings typically lead to next steps and commitments to action.  Before adjourning the meeting, it is important to review these commitments and timeframes for their completion.  A savvy Board Chair will ensure that assignments are distributed equitably across the Board team, and place Board members in position to leverage their skills and succeed.  Including this step as a part of the meeting agenda promotes accountability on the Board team and closes the meeting with the momentum that comes from having a clear directional roadmap.

Thoughtful, well-structured meetings are essential to maximizing the potential of your Board and propelling your mission forward.  If you would like to share your thoughts on dynamic, engaging Board meetings, or you would like assistance, tools, or resources to enhance your Board meetings, Nielsen Training & Consulting is your partner.  Let’s connect!