Boards of directors play an important function in holding nonprofit organizations accountable for their fiduciary responsibilities and strategic direction. They are a group who have diverse backgrounds and expertise to make decisions regarding the direction of an organization. Unfortunately boards do not always function smoothly. This is largely due to a lack of proper planning, communication and training.
If the conduct of a Board member is causing a lot of friction within the Board or Board of Directors, it could be time for you to address the issue. The director’s conduct, whether it is violent, divisive, or overbearing can affect the mission of the organization.
Direct intervention is the first step in dealing with problematic board members. The board chair should sit down with each individual and explain to them why their behavior is news not acceptable. Remind them that they were brought on for the board because of their skills and experience and that it is in everyone’s best interests to work effectively together.
The next step is to collect details and evidence about the behavior of the member of the board who has caused the issue. A code of conduct can be an effective method to prevent bad behavior because it establishes the expectations for board members.
iBabs’ board portal makes it easy for directors to keep in touch between meetings. It also streamlines follow-up of action items by notifying who opens and reads documents. To learn more, request a demo today!