Are Our Boards Standing in the Way of Needed Change?

A board can be your strongest ally — or your biggest obstacle. Sadly, too often, I see boards doing more harm than good. And we need our boards to be strong, supportive, and passionate about our missions.

Several years ago, I was on a nonprofit board that was, well, challenging. I was relatively new to board participation, so I didn’t speak up when certain confusing things occurred, but in hindsight, I wish I had.

This was a board of an organization that I love and respect — and one that I had par...