Transform Your Nonprofit's Impact: Stop Dancing Around the Hard Stuff

The relationship between your nonprofit board and executive director can make or break your mission. Yet most organizations aren't maximizing this critical partnership.

Here's the truth: Trust is built one conversation at a time and one experience at a time. Every interaction with your board chair either strengthens your organization's foundation—or weakens it.

Simple Actions That Build Unshakeable Trust

Bad news first: As the ED, building trust with your board chair is your job. I know—it stinks when you're already drowning in responsibilities. But you're the professional, and as the organizational leader, bringing board leadership along as supportive allies is on you.

These tiny actions are how you start building that foundation:

• Do what you say you'll do. When you promise to send something, send it.

• No surprises. Bring challenges early with possible solutions—never blindside in meetings.

• Take the high road. Never throw the board or chair under the bus to staff or stakeholders.

• Share the wins and the losses. Credit mission successes to the board; share accountability in missteps.

• Handle conflict directly. Resolve issues with board members yourself instead of complaining to the chair.

These steps create the foundation for success. I've seen too many EDs at odds with their boards—it serves no one.

Why Board Fundraising Fails (And How to Fix It)

Organizations recruit accomplished people, then give them vague expectations like "help with fundraising" or "open doors." Board members sit through budget presentations while their actual expertise goes unused.

The fix? Match strengths to specific roles:

⭐ The Connector - Makes introductions, doesn't ask for money

⭐ The Host - Opens their home, lets staff make the case

⭐ The Storyteller - Shares mission stories naturally

⭐ The Validator - Provides credibility in meetings

⭐ The Asker - Comfortable making direct solicitations

Stop assuming one size fits all. When board members know exactly how they can help, they show up.

What's Really Holding Your Organization Back?

When progress stalls or mission achievement becomes difficult, there's usually an unresolved topic everyone's avoiding.

““So much positive energy focused in the right direction! Beth, you are insanely good at moderating and leading conversations such as today’s. Well done!””

— BWC CLient

Nonprofit organizations operate under a cloak of "toxic niceness"—the cordial way everyone dances around hard topics to maintain civility and peace.

Here's the deal: This toxic niceness must be broken through before breakthroughs can occur.

This is where I come in. 

My specialty is facilitating hard conversations that create breakthroughs while maintaining relationships.

Is Your Organization Ready for a Breakthrough?

• Is it time to deal with that recurring challenge?

• Are hard conversations impossible because feelings get hurt?

• Are emotions unmanageable when stakes get high?

I can help. 

Let's get your nonprofit past toxic niceness and working together toward your mission.

Looking for a Dynamic Speaker?

Hire me to speak at your meeting, association, or conference.

Hot Topics:

• The Three-Second Fix: How to Stop Being the Person Everyone Avoids

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• Courage Under Fire: Leading Boldly in Uncertain Times

Ready to transform your nonprofit's impact? 

Email me at: support@bethwonson.com

Let's finish strong—together!