Conflict on Nonprofit Boards: Strategies for Constructive Resolution

We know that conflict is part of human relations. As a result, many executive directors or chief fundraisers know that conflict also happens at the nonprofit board level. The challenge is that when it occurs in a nonprofit, it may affect the work of advancing the mission. Why does conflict arise among people who are passionate about a particular cause? There could be several reasons. 

For instance, board members may have differing views on accomplishing the organization's objectives. A common sticky situation is when a board seeks a new executive director. They may disagree on the right person for the job. Another common conflict arises when nonprofit leaders challenge a board to lead on fundraising. In turn, these conflicts can result in a bad board. 

That said, conflict within the nonprofit board can provide opportunities for essential change. For example, some organizations and their teams experience the challenges of founder’s syndrome. That’s when the founder of a nonprofit should turn over the reins of the organization, which, in many cases, could be an obstacle to innovation, but they refuse to step away from their top leadership position. Inevitably, it brings board conflict.

The Nature of Conflict in Nonprofit Boards

The starting place for resolving nonprofit board conflict is to get to the core of its nature. Conflicts can manifest in many ways. For instance, ongoing disagreements within the board about strategic decisions could prevent it from moving forward. There could also be interpersonal dynamics, such as dislike, between board members. It does happen.

So, why do these nonprofit board conflicts arise? Understanding the why is vital to getting past it. For one, board members are people, meaning they have different experiences, backgrounds and personalities. Therefore, to get to the root of the challenge, it's vital to recognize that fact and appreciate the diversity of characters at the board level. It’s also important to realize they’re passionate about the cause.

Understanding the Dynamics of Conflict

When nonprofit executives see that there's board conflict, it's essential to understand and appreciate the nature of the conflict because of the differences among people. But getting a handle on other things that contribute to board conflict is also essential. For example, there might be power dynamics at play. Sometimes, a board member or a few of them have very assertive communication styles and outsized personalities. In turn, they shut down other ideas and approaches to challenges. 

Understanding these dynamics and how they play out is vital when board conflict exists. Moreover, executives have to verbalize and acknowledge the dynamics resulting from power structures, styles of communication or even organizational culture. Getting to the bottom of board conflict takes enormous empathy, emotional intelligence, nuance and soft skills. 

Strategies for Constructive Conflict Resolution

When executive directors and staff leaders realize they have persistent board conflict, it's essential to address it. An excellent way to address it with mindfulness is to bring in a neutral third-party facilitator. Bringing an outside consultant or facilitator allows for more space and less emotion in what could be thorny issues. Further, during the process of resolution, it's essential to ensure these five strategies. 

1. Open Communication

Successful conflict resolution requires open communication. Unfortunately, sweeping conflict under the rug won't make it go away. It's just going to make it fester. Working with an outside facilitator, board members should feel that they can express their ideas — free of judgment. Each board member has a right to speak fully, and their voices have to be valued and respected. 

2. Active Listening

One of the best things a nonprofit leader can do in partnership with a consultant is to lead conflict resolution with discussions about active listening. The truth is that many people aren't good listeners — but they're great talkers. Sure, everyone's excited about sharing their thoughts, but for people to work well together, everyone has to become a master active listener. 

3. Focus on Common Nonprofit Goals

It's vital to reaffirm the shared goals and mission of everyone at an organization to support conflict resolution at the board level. The truth is that there is an overarching and uniting force, and that's to accomplish the mission of a nonprofit. Reminding board members of the shared goals of everyone at the board level can become a unifying force for people to set aside their differences. 

4. Embracing Diversity of Thought

Organizations that thrive are those that have a diversity of thought. The truth is that different ideas and ways of thinking allow for innovation. Innovation, a vital ingredient for success, doesn't happen when organizations experience embedded group thinking. Different ideas and points of view allow for learning, creating a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered. In short, it brings excellent thinking. 

5. Create Conflict Resolution Procedures

Again, people are people, and conflict is simply part of human nature. Therefore, proactive planning is an effective strategy to cope with it when it happens. Nonprofits should create clear and transparent procedures for how to address conflict. For example, an organization can choose to remove board members for cause. Defining clear conflict resolution policies and procedures goes a long way to mitigating risk. 

In sum, every nonprofit will face nonprofit board conflict at some point. But it doesn't have to be something that adversely harms the organization. By being proactive and immediately addressing conflict, nonprofits position themselves to get past it and back to focusing on the vital work of their missions. Boards and executives can fulfill their responsibilities with wisdom, empathy and compassion.

The preceding post was provided by an individual unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of NonProfit PRO.