The partnership between the board and the executive leader is critically important to the success of an organization. A strong and healthy board-staff partnership provides flexible and resilient leadership that contributes positively to the organization’s overall impact.

To cultivate the trust, respect, candor, and communication that characterize a healthy partnership between a board and staff, BoardSource recommends a number of key practices, including the following:

  • Regular check-ins between the executive and chair. Open and consistent communication channels between the executive and the board chair help build a strong working relationship and surface issues and challenges before they get bigger.
  • A commitment to “no surprises.” For both the executive and the board, it’s important to share openly and honestly, including when there’s bad news.
  • Thoughtful reflection on performance. One of the board’s essential responsibilities is to annually evaluate the executive’s performance and provide honest feedback on successes and challenges.

Read the full article about the board-staff relationship at BoardSource.