Relational Strength with the Senior Leader
(by Alicia Hamming Navarrete- Sheherd Consulting Associate)
“Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Developing a healthy relationship between Board Chair and Executive Director is Key!
Recently, I spent time with a newly appointed Board Chair of an international non-profit organization. This particular organization has one employee, the Executive Director. Consequently, the board has needed to be very hands-on in order to fulfill not only its fiduciary commitment, but also their mission and vision. As they embarked on the necessary process of developing a new strategic plan, and envisioned a hopeful future, the Board chair’s pressing question was, “What can I do to be a good Board Chair?
At Shepherd Consulting, we see the role of the Board Chair as pivotal to the flourishing of an organization, church, or school and its leaders. Although there are many technical responsibilities of a Board Chair, all of which are important, I want to highlight what we see as the most important responsibility of the Board Chair: a relational responsibility. A trustworthy and healthy relationship with the Executive Director/Principal/Pastor is the difference between functioning and thriving.
One of our associates, Peter Elgersma, recalls his experience as Board Chair of a local Christian school. Every month before a board meeting, he would meet the Principal at the local Swiss Chalet for dinner. They would enjoy a meal together and then spend the rest of the evening talking about the upcoming board meeting, the needs and concerns of the school, and the health of the principal in his leadership role. They would stay until closing time, taking full advantage of the free refills of coffee.
An organization can function in a limited way with a Board Chair who does the practical work of setting the agenda, chairing the meetings and being the voice of the organization. But even more, an organization can thrive – overcoming crisis and adversity – when there is a trusting relationship built between the Board Chair and the Executive Director. It doesn’t need to be a monthly dinner at Swiss Chalet, but could be a weekly phone call to check in, or meeting for coffee. Regular, consistent connection between the board chair and the Executive Director that allows for building trust in a relationship is the key.
This is the same advice that I gave to the newly appointed Board chair: the best way to be a good Board chair is to develop a trusting relationship with the Executive Director. Why? So that the Senior Leader feels encouraged and supported as the leader of the organization. This is also what Shepherd Consulting Associate Peter modelled in his monthly dinners at Swiss Chalet. He showed interest and invested time into the Principal of the local school.
As a Board Chair, or Executive Director/Principal/Pastor, do you have this kind of relationship? Shepherd Consulting offers training in Governance for boards looking to learn more about what a healthy board looks like and how to develop flourishing organizations.
Contact us today at info@shepherdconsulting.ca or check out our website.
SHEPHERD'S SPOTLIGHT: MEA Pregnancy Support Services
Shepherd Consulting has had ongoing delight in serving ministries that save lives: Pregnancy Care Centres across Canada! This month we have begun an effort to support MEA Pregnancy Support Services in Kingston, Ontario which has been in existence since 1989.
The MEA Centre has helped thousands of women and men in the Kingston area. They are a faith-based charity, and their goal is to be a safe place for clients as they navigate challenging circumstances. Examples of that support can be seen in their resource-laden website: it is a picture of who they are in terms of availability, thoroughness, and compassion. I would encourage you (or someone you know) to check it out here – it covers topics from adoption, to morning sickness, and healthy love boundaries.
For a long time, they have provided compassionate support and education for individuals and families impacted by unexpected pregnancy and its effects. God wishes to continue to do that through them, so a Strategic Plan is being undertaken to help them live into God's beautiful future.
If you, like MEA's leadership, are a Christian leader in a charity, school, or church setting, don't hesitate to reach out for support.
As part of the Shepherd team, Alicia brings over 20 years of international non-profit experience having spent 17 years working with a national organization in Managua, Nicaragua. Alicia is fluent in Spanish and holds an MA in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in International Development as well as being a certified Governance Coach for Non-Profits as well as achieving her Pro. Dir. Alicia’s passion is working with non-profit organizations that are seeking to strengthen the effectiveness of their board of directors, develop clear and innovative strategic plans, and enhance their organizational capacity.
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email: info@shepherdconsulting.ca
289-208-9918
