Effective governance is key to driving impact and achieving mission-driven goals. One area where I see boards struggle is the distinction between the two primary models of governance: the working board and the governing board. While both play crucial roles in steering the organization, navigating their differences is essential for board members in understanding their role.
The Working Board:
Working boards, also known as operational boards, are deeply involved in the day-to-day activities of the organization. Typically, working boards exist in small organizations with limited to no staff. Members of a working board often roll up their sleeves and actively participate in the daily work of an organization, from program implementation, to communications and marketing, to fundraising efforts. These individuals are not only responsible for setting strategic direction but are also directly engaged in executing initiatives on the ground. They basically do the role of governance and staff in one.
The strengths of a working board lie in its hands-on approach and intimate understanding of the organization’s operations. By being closely involved in daily activities, members can swiftly respond to challenges, collaborate on innovative ideas and solutions, and maintain a strong connection with partners and stakeholders. This level of involvement fosters a sense of ownership and commitment among board members. Obviously, this requires a high level of engagement from board members.
However, the intense involvement of working boards can also pose challenges. Board members may find themselves stretched thin, balancing their volunteer responsibilities with personal and professional commitments. This type of board leadership is not for the individuals who are looking to provide high-level guidance, but instead, is meant for folks who have the energy, time, and resources to devote working hours to the organization.
The Governing Board:
In contrast, governing boards focus primarily on high-level strategic oversight. This is the type of board you’ll see in most mid-large sized organizations with staff. Governing boards provide guidance on overarching strategic goals, monitor organizational performance, and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. Rather than delving into operational details, these boards prioritize long-term sustainability and mission alignment.
The strength of governing boards lies in their capacity to provide strategic direction and maintain accountability. Board members can offer valuable insights, connections, and resources to drive strategic initiatives forward. They should focus on strategic planning, board planning, annual reviews, setting the budget, raising funds, etc. Moreover, their emphasis (and, not to mention, legal obligations) on governance safeguards against conflicts of interest and promotes transparency and ethical conduct within the organization.
However, governing boards may face challenges in staying connected with the day-to-day realities of the organization. Without direct involvement in operational activities, board members may struggle to grasp the nuanced complexities of implementation and may inadvertently disconnect from the grassroots level. Alternatively (and frankly, more often), I’ve also seen boards take on too much and blur the lines between board and staff, leading to micromanagement of the Executive Director, or questioning daily activities of staff. This is where organizational conflict often arises – not understanding the delineation of roles and responsibilities of board v staff.
Finding Balance:
While working boards and governing boards represent distinct governance models, the most effective nonprofit organizations often find a balance between the two. Enter – the engaged board. By leveraging the strengths of both approaches, organizations can capitalize on the passion and expertise of working board members while benefiting from the strategic guidance and oversight of governing board members. An engaged board has a bit of both… members who provide high-level strategic oversight, but who aren’t afraid of showing up, helping out, attending events, sharing information with their network, and connecting with stakeholders.
Ultimately, the success of a nonprofit organization hinges on the synergy between its board members, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders. By understanding the different board models and building one that works best for your organization, you can more easily navigate the complexities of governance and drive deep impact in your communities.