Step 2: Board Reactivation

Overview:

Board reactivation is about diagnosing your board’s health to re-engage members and address dysfunction. Through a three-part Board Audit, you’ll gain clarity on your leadership, the board’s strengths and gaps, and each member’s commitment. This step ensures you fix root issues before moving forward, setting the stage for a powerhouse board.

Instructions for Action:

Complete the Founder’s Audit (Mirror Test) (30 Minutes)

Reflect on your leadership style with radical honesty. Ask:

• Do I facilitate or give instructions?
• How do I view my board—as co-architects or volunteers?
• Does my leadership inspire confidence or create barriers?
• Write your answers in a notebook, noting one area to improve (e.g., listening more).

Action: Commit to one specific change in your leadership approach this week.

Engage Board for Feedback on Your Leadership (20 Minutes)

Send an email to board members asking:

• What is your perception of my leadership style?
• How has my leadership impacted your work as a board member?
• Use a confidential survey (e.g., Google Forms) to collect honest feedback.

Action: Review responses and identify one actionable insight to implement.

Conduct the Complete Board Audit (Board Blueprint) (45 Minutes)

Assess your board’s current state compared to an ideal board for your mission. Ask:

• What skill sets are missing (e.g., fundraising, legal, marketing)?
• What cultural gaps exist (e.g., lack of collaboration)?
• What support do board members need to succeed?
• Invite board members to answer these questions via a survey or discussion.

Action: Compile responses into a document to share at the next board meeting.

Administer the Self-Evaluation Audit (Commitment Compass) (30 Minutes)

Create a confidential self-evaluation form for board members. Include questions like:

• What value do I bring to the board?
• How committed am I to the mission moving forward?
• How do I want to be engaged (e.g., specific roles, tasks)?
• Frame the audit as a positive, strategic step to build a stronger future.
• Action: Send the form (available at nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com) and set a one-week deadline for responses.

Analyze Audit Results (45 Minutes)

• Use personal insight: Sort responses into themes (e.g., “Fundraising Concerns,” “Leadership Praise”) on a whiteboard.
• Leverage AI (e.g., ChatGPT) for objective analysis. Ask:
  • What are the most significant skill gaps on my board?
  • What themes emerge about my leadership?
  • What decisions will move the board forward?

Action: Summarize findings in a report to guide one-on-one and group conversations.

Hold One-on-One Conversations (1-2 Hours)

Schedule 20-30 minute meetings with each board member to discuss their self-evaluation.

Goals:

• Graceful Exit: Thank members stepping down and offer alternative roles (e.g., volunteer, advocate).
• Renewed Commitment: Clarify roles and expectations for those stepping up.
• Use email templates provided. 

Action: Document outcomes (exit or recommitment) for each member.

Facilitate a Group Conversation (1 Hour)

Convene a board meeting to present audit findings and foster shared ownership. Discuss:

• Key gaps and opportunities identified.
• Decisions on exiting members, recommitted roles, or recruitment needs.
• Ask: “What skills and connections are we missing, and how do we fill those gaps?”

Action: Agree on next steps, including forming a Board Recruitment Committee.

Resources:

• Download the Board Audit Form, email templates, and facilitation guides.
• Use a notebook to track reflections, survey results, and meeting outcomes.

Next Steps:

• Complete the Board Audit within two weeks.
• Prepare for Step 3: Board Recruitment, by forming the Board Recruitment Committee and planning outreach.

Mantra: “Diagnose before you act to build a board that thrives.”