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Tips For Handling Unproductive Board Members


Dealing with unproductive board members can be a delicate yet essential aspect of maintaining the effectiveness of your board of directors. Many boards mention nonperforming board members as one of their top board-related problems. There is usually a small, core group of members who routinely attend all the meetings, come prepared for the meetings, and consistently volunteer for and complete vital tasks. Some members rarely attend meetings, and when they do, they rehash the discussions that have occurred in their absence, they never volunteer for tasks, and if they do volunteer they do not complete their tasks. These nonperforming board members ruin the morale of the committed group.

Whose responsibility is it to address a board member who is “AWOL,” “deadwood,” undependable, or worse? If you are the board chair or the chair of the Governance Committee, your responsibilities include monitoring participation and intervening with board members, when necessary. Be confident and hopeful. Many board members just need a little reminder to be more conscientious. Others will be grateful if you give them a graceful way to relinquish some tasks or even leave the board.

Here are some steps you can follow to address a non-contributing board member:

  1. Open Communication: Initiate an open and honest dialogue with the unproductive board member. Discuss their contributions, areas of improvement, and expectations. Provide specific examples of behavior or actions that are causing concern.
  2. Set Clear Expectations: Clearly outline the responsibilities and expectations for all board members, including attendance at meetings, participation in discussions, and completion of assigned tasks. Job descriptions and Board Member Expectations ensure that everyone understands their role in contributing to the board's success.
  3. Provide Support and Resources: Offer support and resources to help unproductive board members improve their performance. This could include mentorship opportunities, training sessions, or access to relevant materials and information.
  4. Address Issues Promptly: Don't let concerns about unproductive behavior linger without addressing them. Address issues promptly and directly, before they escalate or negatively impact the board's effectiveness.
  5. Offer Feedback Constructively: When providing feedback to unproductive board members, focus on constructive criticism and solutions rather than simply pointing out shortcomings. Offer suggestions for improvement and encourage them to take proactive steps to address any issues.
  6. Explore Alternative Roles: If a board member consistently struggles to fulfill their duties effectively, consider whether there may be alternative roles within the organization or board where their skills and strengths could be better utilized.
  7. Evaluate Board Composition: Periodically evaluate the composition of the board to ensure that all members bring diverse perspectives, relevant expertise, and a commitment to contributing effectively. Consider whether any adjustments need to be made to improve overall board performance. The Members Report in BoardOnTrack can help!
  8. Utilize Performance Metrics: Implement performance metrics using the BoardOnTrack Assessment to objectively assess the contributions of board members. This can help identify areas for improvement and provide a basis for addressing concerns about unproductivity. 
  9. Lead by Example: Demonstrate productive behavior and active engagement as a board leader or chairperson. Lead by example and encourage a culture of accountability, collaboration, and commitment to the board's mission and goals.
  10. Consider Removal as a Last Resort: As a last resort, if efforts to address unproductive behavior are unsuccessful and it significantly hinders the board's effectiveness, consider the possibility of removing the board member from their position. However, this should be approached with careful consideration and in accordance with the organization's bylaws and procedures.



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