When's the last time you took the pulse of your board of directors.? Are they sitting around the table nodding their heads in approval for the first half of the meeting when the perfunctories are presented?

Do they understand your vernacular? Are any of your board members glazing over when reports are given or fumbling with their PDA's and glancing at their watches?

Do you encourage your board to speak, or to come in, say "aye" and leave? Every organization has its own unique language -- for at least a few terms or phrases.

Dedicate at least 10 minutes a board meeting to refresh your board's vocabulary about your specific programs and outcomes. Familiarize them with new programs or community outreach programs.

Empower them with knowledge and then hold them accountable to achieving your mission.

It will gain you strength as your board can speak wisely on your behalf and do greater good in your community, wherever that may be. An empowered board is a healthy board, and healthy boards produce wellness , balance and sustenance.

For more information on developing your board governance, your individual board plans or your organization's guerilla board moments, contact me at Kayte@bestprincipledsolutions.com .

To receive additional tips for governance and other nonprofit philanthropy concerns, sign up for my e-zine at www.bestprincipledsolutions.com .

Author's Bio: 

Kayte Connelly is a Certified ChangeWorks Practitioner with over 30 years experience with Nonprofit Organizations. She has a vast amount of practical hands-on experience in a broad spectrum of nonprofits in both management and volunteer capacities. Organizational highlights include Low Vision Clinics; social enterprise initiatives such as creation of two different art galleries (one a co-op); collapsing a parochial chamber of commerce and merging it with a larger economic region; designing a comprehensive board management training program; expanding a major jazz festival from 3 ½ to 10 days (18 to 138 events); serving as an advocate (testifying at legislative hearings) for more than 300 arts organizations; producing a monthly TV show; producing a major awards ceremony televised for a BET J magazine program; serving as a re-granting partner for a 5 ½ county wide region (over 1 million population); growing an organization from $29,000 in the hole to $1.6 million in 7 years and more.

Connelly is a member of the Coaching and Philanthropy Project, is an approved Standards for Excellence Consultant and was recently named Member of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners Greater Philadelphia Chapter. Check out www.bestprincipledsolutions.com for additional information.