By Dr. R. Scott Rodin
Critical to the success of every
not-for-profit is the relationship between
the leader and the board. Whether it is a
school superintendent, ministry executive
director, college president or other
leadership position, the organization’s
effectiveness and overall success will be
impacted by the strength of the leader’s
relationship to the board. Here are three
things to consider in developing a solid
board/leader relationship for your
organization.
Step #1 – Define Roles Carefully It is
imperative that the respective roles of
leader and board are well-defined and
carefully monitored. When lines are crossed,
problems ensue. Here is a brief overview of
common role definitions.
Not-for-profit boards have five basic
responsibilities: 1) Set policy according to
mission, 2) Develop long- term strategy, 3)
Undertake self-governance, 4) Take fiduciary
responsibility including raising and giving
money, and 5) Hire and direct the ministry
leader.
CEO’s have the overall responsibility of
operating the organization according to set
policy, fulfilling the organization’s
long-term strategy, maintaining financial
controls and fiscal integrity, and hiring
and managing personnel.
Boards must not get involved with the
management decisions of the ministry.
Ministry leaders must leave the work of
governance and policy to the Board. While
there will be cooperation in all of these
areas, final decisions and responsibilities
must remain separate.
Step #2 – Establish Clear Evaluation
Processes Accountability is a key to
institutional integrity and effectiveness.
There should be accountability at every
level. CEO’s should be responsible for the
timely evaluations of all employees.
Likewise not-for- profit boards should
have a self-evaluation process to ensure
that all board members are serving to the
best of their abilities.
