69. The Culturally Conscious Board

Jennifer Jukanovich, a seasoned nonprofit leader with nearly three decades of experience discusses her forthcoming book, The Culturally Conscious Board: Setting the Boardroom Table for Impact, which explores the importance of board culture in achieving organizational success. The conversation addresses a number of important aspects of board governance, including board culture and the critical role of trust and humility.

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Big Ideas/Thoughts/Quotes

1. The Culturally Conscious Board

·      Two important concepts which are emphasized:

o   The significance of board culture and its impact on decision-making and governance, and the role of trust, humility, and hospitality in building an effective board culture.

o   Jennifer's closing thoughts on the importance of strong board culture in the nonprofit sector.

·      Encouragement for boards to engage in deeper conversations and continuous improvement.

·      Introduction to the "board culture placemat" and its use in facilitating board discussion and b building a strong board culture.

·      Examples of successful practices for building and maintaining a healthy board culture.

"Boards are assets to our society, and our hope is that our book, The Culturally Conscious Board, will contribute to that conversation."  Jennifer Jukanovich

Book Reviews

"Sitting on a board is easy. But being a great board member is another matter entirely, especially if your organization needs change. Jukanovich and West show you how to do it with confidence and grace."

Arthur C. Brooks, Professor, Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, and #1 New York Times bestselling author

"'Culture eats strategy for breakfast,' Drucker said, and most boards don't explore how their culture either detracts from or advances their mission. This work invites boards to move from habits and traditions that restrict their impact toward deeper examinations to make wise changes and meet the challenges of our day."  
Robert C. Andringa, Managing Partner, The Andringa Group, and coauthor of Nonprofit Board Answer Book

2. Challenges and Opportunities in Board Governance

o   The importance of diverse representation and an inclusive board culture.

o   Practical advice on improving board culture, including transparency, accountability, and feedback mechanisms.

o   Addressing issues such as long-term leadership and the balance between large boards and effective decision-making.

"Humility catalyzes greater trust, whether that is your family or that's a board."  

"Good governance creates health. Good boundaries create healthy culture." 

4. The Critical Partnership between the CEO and the board chair

o   How the board chair can help ensure all voices are heard and foster a culture of openness and respect.