Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game: How to Break the Cycle of Frustrating Relationships and Benefit from Fully Engaged Boards

by Hardy Smith

“Why don’t board members do what they’re supposed to do?”

Board members not meeting performance expectations is one of the most challenging issues faced by nonprofit organizations and causes considerable frustration among nonprofit leaders—and they usually place the blame on board members.

However, much of what has been written on this topic is based on opinions and experiences of staff professionals, with solutions focused on more training of the board members. Yet the problem persists. So whatever advice that has been offered hasn’t worked. This book is different.

Author and expert leadership consultant Hardy Smith shows that most difficulties contributing to boards not performing as desired are self-inflicted by leaders who repeat flawed practices that could be avoided. As a result, Smith provides what numerous other books on this topic have not: truly effective solutions.

Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game

• uses feedback from a wide variety of board members to reveal their unique perspectives;
• explains why performance problems exist;
• identifies realistic, results-oriented solutions;
• shares proven how-tos for taking action.

This book is the only guide you need to improve the engagement and effectiveness of your board and strengthen relationships. It will constructively transform your organization.

Kindle Edition

Published January 4, 2022

Reviews

[AnnieM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am recommending this book to the leadership team of the small non-profit on which I serve as a board member. Smith's book is a great read for board members too. He weaves insights from board members from all types of organizations as well as references to books and articles with helpful tips on how best to leverage the relationships between boards and staff to help organizations achieve high performance. He talks about the importance of board selection and how to engage each board member as an individual and as a team. There are many helpful insights here that will be helpful to any not-for-profit board and staff.

I recommend this book.

[Hannah Enstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful resource with practical solutions for board engagement. The author does a great job of reframing common tactics to hammer home the importance of nailing the basics.