When a Board acts in the organization's best interest, makes rational and strategic decisions, and ensures the organization is managed thoughtfully, a Board fulfills its purpose. In short, it is functioning as it should. If only reality were that simple.

In a non-profit organization, no relationship is more important than the one between the Chair of the Board and the Executive Director (ED) or CEO. Curious about why this relationship is so meaningful.? Read on.

A healthy Non-Profit Board of Directors is dependent on two things: 1) knowing the responsibilities of the board and delivering on them, as discussed in Board Success Blueprint: Know your Responsibilities, and 2) the maintenance of constructive and collaborative communication alongside a focus on strategic decision-making. Given the fluidity of board dynamics, how is your board doing?

A strategic plan shouldn’t sit on a shelf. When the non-profit Board and Executive Director stay connected to the plan, clear KPIs, accountability, tracking and reporting make it easier to see what’s working, what’s not, and where it’s time to adjust. What do you do at your Board meetings to keep the strategic plan front and centre?

So, specifically in the context of non-profits, what do we mean when we make a “strategic decision?” We mean making decisions that align with the strategy (or direction) that we set overall: how we choose to operate, how we use our resources (people, time, money, or knowledge), what objectives we set for our teams (specific success metrics), and the actions or activities we focus on. What types of strategic decisions does your board make regularly?

A good non-profit strategic plan needs goals people can actually understand and use. By getting clear on what’s behind each goal, Boards can turn big ideas into SMART goals, measurable objectives and KPIs that support accountability, guide implementation, and keep the plan moving forward—even when leadership changes.

A strong non-profit strategic plan does more than set direction—it defines where you’re going and how you’ll know you’re getting there. Clear strategic goals and measurable objectives help the Board, Executive Director and management team turn vision and mission into action, accountability and results. If your goals don’t clearly define where you’re going, how will anyone know when you’ve arrived?

Joining a non-profit Board of Directors is about more than supporting a cause—it comes with real governance, fiduciary and legal responsibilities. Strong Board recruitment, orientation and onboarding help new Board members understand their role, expectations and accountability from day one. If your newest Board member were asked to explain their fiduciary responsibilities today, could they?

Non-profit Board recruitment doesn’t have to be stressful. A strategic approach helps your Board find people with the right skills, expertise, perspectives and community connections while strengthening Board engagement, diversity and succession planning. The key is recruiting for what your organization needs—not simply filling an empty seat. Is your Board recruiting the right people for its future—or just whoever says yes?