How to work with an inherited board

Ever been handed the reins of an organization only to discover you've inherited a board member (or worse, a whole board!) that just…doesn't like you? In this candid and insightful episode, I'm sharing my hard-earned lessons as a CEO navigating that exact situation. I'm diving deep into the challenges, strategies, and essential takeaways for anyone leading a nonprofit or organization when the boardroom dynamics are less than ideal.

Here's what you'll discover in this episode:

• The "Board Member Who Doesn't Like You" Scenario: We tackle the uncomfortable reality of personality clashes within the board and explore how to handle it professionally (even when it's personal).

• Building Your "Board Champions": Learn the critical importance of cultivating allies and advocates within the board who understand and support your vision. I'll share how to develop these relationships and empower them to be your voice in challenging situations.

• Protecting Your Organization's Reputation: Discover the do's and don'ts of venting, especially in public spaces. Understand how to address issues without damaging the organization or harming individuals.

• "Removing" Board Members with Dignity: Get a strategic overview of the process for addressing difficult board members and making necessary changes while minimizing disruption and maintaining respect. Learn the tactics that you can implement in order to facilitate change.

• The CEO's Role in Board Recruitment: I emphasize the absolutely crucial role of the CEO in the board recruitment and interview process. I will give the tips that you can use and how to use them strategically. I'll address the importance of having an informal veto. I will also dive into how to do a listening tour.

• Policy Changes as a Catalyst: Explore how implementing specific policies (like mandatory board giving or background checks) can be a strategic tool to address problematic situations and drive necessary change.

• The Power of the Board Matrix: Understand how to use a board matrix to identify gaps in skills and experience and proactively recruit board members who can fill those needs.

• Recap of Lessons Learned: As an executive, you will discover some lessons and strategies to improve on.

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