Boards · Collaboration · Leadership

The “Working Board” Myth

Many nonprofit boards call themselves “working boards.” There’s nothing wrong with board members rolling up their sleeves. But that label can quietly shape what a board believes its job is—and how it spends its time.

In this episode, Nancy and Sarah unpack the “working board” myth and why every nonprofit board is a governing board, no matter how hands-on its members are. They explore how focusing on roles instead of labels can help boards make room for the big-picture conversations that only they can have.

Want a refresher on governance? Listen to our earlier episode, Board Governance Made Simple.

Question to consider before listening:
Is your board making time for the big-picture questions—or mostly focusing on this week’s to-do list?

Questions to consider:

  1. What governance conversation does your board need to have?
  2. What could your board spend less time on to make room for it?

Word of the Week: Mental Model

How does your board describe itself–and how might that shape how you see your role?

What do you think?