5 Fun Tips for Nonprofit Leaders This 4th of July
As we enjoy the 4th of July with good food, time with family and friends, and dazzling fireworks, let’s make sure the only sparks flying are the ones in the sky! Just like a well-choreographed fireworks show, a harmonious boardroom requires careful planning and coordination. Here are a few fun strategies to help you keep the “fireworks” out of the boardroom.
1. The Firework: Miscommunication
Strategy: Conversation Sparklers
Miscommunication can ignite like a rogue firework, and often it stems from board members not having rapport or trusting each other to give the benefit of the doubt. So why not hold regular social connections for your board or mix up your board meetings from time to time with a brief opening activity to build collegiality? Conversation cards can be one fun way to learn something new about each other by pulling a card with a question and having board members pair up to share how they’d answer it. You could also consider creating your own cards with questions related to board service.
2. The Firework: Lack of Diversity
Strategy: Diversity Potluck
A lack of diverse perspectives can dim the board’s effectiveness and lead to blind spots that negatively impact all aspects of the organization. Brighten things up by hosting a cultural potluck where every board member brings a dish that represents their background or heritage. Bonus points if you have board members take a moment to share their dish and their cultural tie to it! Something as informal and simple as this can help spark conversations about diversity in a way that is approachable for all.
3. The Firework: Short-Term Focus
Strategy: Vision Fireworks
Focusing only on immediate issues can fizzle out long-term goals and make board members feel like they are putting out fires instead of planning for the future. Keep the big picture in view by creating a segment in your meetings where you discuss long-term goals and dreams for the organization or revisiting your strategic direction.
There you have it! Three fun, easy strategies to keep the fireworks in the sky and out of the boardroom beyond 4th of July.
Hat Tip to You and Happy Independence Day! 🎆
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