'How to Be a Super Board Chair', Huggett and Zitter, Stanford Social Innovation Review
This Stanford article outlines nine strategies for effective board leadership in social enterprises, focusing on building legacy, fostering respect, clarifying roles, and supporting executive success. Key tactics include tailored board experiences, efficient meetings, succession planning, professional recruitment, feedback, and addressing underperformance, all aimed at creating a collaborative, impactful board culture.
View resourceSummary
This article from Stanford’s Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society shares nine tips for effective board leadership in social enterprises. Authors Jon Huggett and Mark Zitter draw on their experience as board chairs to offer useful advice. They encourage board chairs to focus on creating a lasting impact, not just short-term goals.
Key tips include:
- Building a culture of respect and inclusion
- Setting clear expectations for board members
- Tailoring board roles to each person’s interests
- Running efficient meetings
- Supporting the executive director
- Planning for leadership changes
- Improving board recruitment
- Addressing underperformance
- Actively seeking feedback
The authors highlight leading as a peer, fostering teamwork, and using board members’ diverse skills and viewpoints.
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