Learn how nonprofit leaders can effectively navigate board resistance to new policies with strategies for understanding concerns and building consensus.

One thing I have found helpful is meeting with each Board member. During this meetings, be sure to take careful notes about what is said. Don’t use these meetings as a means to stop the pushback. Engage your Board in a meaningful conversation based on your conversations. By opening respectful dialog, you will get to the kernel of the pushback and engage the Board members in creating a healthy resolution. Don’t let the pushback end there. Create a plan with your Board to chart a path forward.

Last updated on Oct 5, 2024

You're facing pushback from board members on new policies. How can you navigate their resistance effectively?

When implementing new policies in a nonprofit organization, it's not uncommon to encounter resistance from your board members. Their pushback can stem from various concerns, such as the impact on the organization's mission, financial implications, or the pace of change. Your role as a leader is to navigate this resistance effectively, ensuring that the board's expertise is honored while still moving forward with necessary innovations. By engaging in open dialogue, empathizing with their perspectives, and demonstrating the value of new policies, you can foster a collaborative environment that embraces change and drives the organization toward its goals.

1 Understand Concerns

To address board members' resistance, it's crucial to first understand their concerns. Engage in active listening during board meetings, allowing each member to express their viewpoints without interruption. Recognize that their hesitations may be rooted in valid points that deserve consideration. By fully grasping the reasons behind their pushback, you can tailor your responses and policy adjustments to address specific issues, which can help in building consensus and trust.

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Sylvia V. Bastani, CFRE, CPC

Executive & Leadership Coach, Transformation Creator, Fundraising Expert, Author
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One thing I have found helpful is meeting with each Board member. During this meetings, be sure to take careful notes about what is said. Don’t use these meetings as a means to stop the pushback. Engage your Board in a meaningful conversation based on your conversations. By opening respectful dialog, you will get to the kernel of the pushback and engage the Board members in creating a healthy resolution. Don’t let the pushback end there. Create a plan with your Board to chart a path forward.

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Susan Detwiler

At the intersection of green spaces and governance | Facilitating successful meetings both virtually and in-person | Nonprofit Board Retreats, Focus Groups, and Town Halls
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None of the possible areas that are explored here address the root cause of pushback. Each individual person has their own needs and what is important to them. And I truly mean needs, not concerns. They may not be able to articulate those needs. It's important to know where they are coming from, what their experiences have been, and what's important to them. Do they have an unacknowledged fear of change? Perhaps they're currently the expert on a particular policy, and they're going to lose that recognition. Perhaps they were the author of that policy, and they're feeling superseded. These feelings are not 'concerns'. And unless feelings are addressed, there will continue to be friction in implementing a new policy.

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2 Build Consensus

Building consensus among board members is a delicate process that requires patience and strategic communication. Present data and case examples that support the new policies, and illustrate how these changes align with the organization's mission and long-term objectives. Encourage an environment where board members feel comfortable discussing the pros and cons of policies. This open exchange can lead to a shared understanding and a collective decision that reflects the board's diverse insights.

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3 Communicate Benefits

Clearly communicating the benefits of new policies is essential for overcoming resistance. Highlight how these changes will advance the organization's mission, improve efficiency, or better serve the community. Use compelling narratives to connect the policy changes to real-world outcomes, making it easier for board members to visualize the positive impact. By articulating the advantages in a way that resonates with their values, you can shift perspectives and garner support.

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4 Offer Training

Sometimes, resistance to new policies is due to a lack of understanding or familiarity. Offer training sessions or workshops to educate board members about the policy details and their implementation. Ensure that these educational opportunities are accessible and engaging, providing a safe space for questions and discussions. Empowering board members with knowledge can reduce uncertainty and build confidence in the new direction.

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Anne Bender

Company Director : Trustee of Saint Francis Hospice
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Education, education - must be ongoing and continuous. The world and healthcare changes rapidly - we all have to keep pace with it to be of value

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5 Pilot Programs

Implementing pilot programs can be an effective strategy to demonstrate the efficacy of new policies without committing to a full-scale rollout. Select a small, manageable segment of the organization to test the policies, and monitor the results closely. Share these findings with the board, focusing on measurable improvements and lessons learned. This approach can provide tangible evidence that helps to alleviate concerns and paves the way for broader adoption.

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Anne Bender

Company Director : Trustee of Saint Francis Hospice
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With new ideas and processes it’s good to try pilot schemes . Not only do they give opportunities to showcase new ways forward , they help identify and rectify any unseen or unplanned issues and then give valid feedback - successful or otherwise .

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6 Encourage Feedback

Encouraging ongoing feedback is vital for maintaining open channels of communication with your board. Provide mechanisms for board members to voice their opinions and suggestions regarding policy implementation. This feedback loop not only helps in refining policies but also fosters a sense of ownership among board members, making them more invested in the policy's success. By valuing their input, you reinforce their role as key stakeholders in the organization's evolution.

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Anne Bender

Company Director : Trustee of Saint Francis Hospice
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Feedback and exploring all avenues can advances consensus and progress. Highlighting issues can bring speedy resolutions where needed .

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You're facing pushback from board members on new policies. How can you navigate their resistance effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand Concerns

2 Build Consensus

3 Communicate Benefits

4 Offer Training

5 Pilot Programs

6 Encourage Feedback

Non-profit Leadership

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You're facing pushback from board members on new policies. How can you navigate their resistance effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand Concerns

2 Build Consensus

3 Communicate Benefits

4 Offer Training

5 Pilot Programs

6 Encourage Feedback

Non-profit Leadership

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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