Building a strong relationship with your board of directors is crucial for any leader, whether you’re a CEO, executive director, or founder. A well-functioning board can provide strategic guidance, open doors to valuable networks, and help your organization navigate challenges. However, fostering trust and alignment with board members requires open, honest, and strategic communication.
One of the most effective ways to build this relationship is by asking the right questions. Thoughtful inquiries not only demonstrate your commitment to collaboration but also ensure that expectations, roles, and priorities are clear. Here are the essential questions to ask your board to strengthen your partnership and drive your organization forward.
1. What Are Your Expectations of Me as a Leader?
A successful relationship between leadership and the board starts with clear expectations. Board members may have different perspectives on your role, responsibilities, and priorities. By proactively asking about their expectations, you can ensure alignment and prevent misunderstandings.
Why This Matters:
- It clarifies what the board considers success in your role.
- It helps avoid unrealistic assumptions and sets a strong foundation for accountability.
- It opens a dialogue about how they prefer to be engaged in decision-making.
Follow-Up:
- How would you define a successful year for me as a leader?
- In what areas do you want me to take full autonomy, and where do you expect more board involvement?
2. What Concerns or Challenges Keep You Up at Night?
Understanding the concerns of your board members helps you stay ahead of potential issues and demonstrates your commitment to proactive leadership. This question invites board members to share their biggest worries—whether financial sustainability, operational risks, or external threats.
Why This Matters:
- It gives insight into board members’ priorities and fears.
- It fosters trust by showing you care about their perspectives.
- It helps you shape your strategy to address their concerns effectively.
Follow-Up:
- What risks do you think we are not paying enough attention to?
- What steps can we take together to mitigate these concerns?
3. How Can I Make Board Meetings More Effective for You?
Board meetings should be productive and engaging, but often, they become routine or bogged down with unnecessary details. By asking this question, you show a commitment to making meetings more valuable and focused.
Why This Matters:
- It helps improve board engagement and decision-making.
- It ensures meetings are structured in a way that maximizes their time.
- It prevents frustration and increases the board’s commitment to the organization.
Follow-Up:
- Do you feel you have the right amount of information before meetings?
- Would you prefer a different format or frequency for our discussions?
4. How Do You Prefer to Receive Updates and Information?
Some board members want in-depth reports, while others prefer high-level summaries. Some like email updates, while others appreciate quick phone calls. Understanding how your board members prefer to stay informed ensures smoother communication.
Why This Matters:
- It prevents information overload while ensuring transparency.
- It helps you tailor your communication to their needs.
- It ensures board members feel well-informed without being overwhelmed.
Follow-Up:
- Would you prefer monthly or quarterly updates?
- Do you want more focus on financials, strategy, or operations in these updates?
5. What Unique Skills and Expertise Do You Want to Contribute?
Each board member brings unique skills and networks to the table. However, many leaders fail to fully leverage these resources. By asking this question, you invite board members to be more actively involved in areas where they can add the most value.
Why This Matters:
- It strengthens board engagement beyond just governance.
- It ensures you’re utilizing their expertise effectively.
- It makes board members feel more connected and invested in the organization’s success.
Follow-Up:
- Are there specific projects or initiatives where you’d like to be more involved?
- Would you be open to mentoring team members in your area of expertise?
6. How Can We Improve Our Board Culture?
A healthy board culture is essential for collaboration and effective governance. If there are tensions, lack of engagement, or misaligned expectations, addressing them early can prevent major challenges down the road.
Why This Matters:
- It fosters a more positive and productive working relationship.
- It helps identify any underlying issues that need attention.
- It creates an open environment where board members feel comfortable sharing concerns.
Follow-Up:
- Do you feel our board operates with a high level of trust and transparency?
- What changes could improve our board dynamics?
7. What Does Success Look Like for This Organization in Your Eyes?
Your vision for success might not always align with the board’s. By understanding their perspective, you can ensure that everyone is working toward the same goals. This also helps align strategic priorities and expectations.
Why This Matters:
- It creates a shared vision that drives decision-making.
- It helps you understand different perspectives on the organization’s impact.
- It ensures that the board’s priorities align with the leadership team’s direction.
Follow-Up:
- What key milestones should we aim for in the next 1-3 years?
- Are there any strategic shifts you believe we should consider?
8. How Can We Strengthen Our Relationship With Stakeholders?
Board members often have valuable networks and insights that can help your organization strengthen relationships with funders, partners, or community leaders. Engaging them in this area can open doors to new opportunities.
Why This Matters:
- It leverages the board’s network to benefit the organization.
- It helps ensure stakeholder relationships are a shared responsibility.
- It strengthens external credibility and influence.
Follow-Up:
- Are there any partnerships you think we should pursue?
- Would you be willing to introduce us to key stakeholders?
Final Thoughts: The Power of the Right Questions
Your board isn’t just there for oversight—they can be one of your greatest assets if you cultivate the relationship intentionally. By asking the right questions, you can foster deeper trust, alignment, and collaboration, ensuring that your board is fully engaged in advancing the organization’s mission.
Strong board relationships don’t happen by accident. They require continuous dialogue, transparency, and a willingness to listen. By integrating these questions into your board interactions, you’ll set the stage for a more effective and impactful partnership.
