Feb 17, 2020
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This week on the podcast I take us on a meandering journey to reveal what I have discovered are the secrets to having a happier board meeting.
Board meetings are draining for nonprofit leaders, even at the best of times. As staff we have to be on our best behavior. We're not allowed to have a bad day and carry it into the board meeting. We are expected to be ON and ready to answer any question, from the inane to the important. I imagine it feels like defending a dissertation every. single. month.
At least that's how my board has been.
Then slowly, over the past 2-3 years, I've taken part in a culture shift in the organization that is finally manifesting itself in our board meetings. It's a shift toward more happiness and joy, based on knowledge gleaned from Shawn Achor's book, The Happiness Advantage.
Achor's research shows that we are more productive and successful because we are happy. Not the other way around. Happiness comes first. When we are happy we are more productive, more prone to effective decision-making, and produce higher-quality work.
So it makes sense that you want your board meetings to be happy occasions. Fortunately for all of us, I've figured out some ways to make that happen. I'm sure I've missed something, though, so share your tips! I'll include them in an upcoming episode. Email becky@virtualexecutivedirector.com or message me on Facebook (Virtual Executive Director) or Instagram (@virtual_exec).
Resources:
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor: https://amzn.to/2P2Ze5A
Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/virtualexecutivedirector
Learn more about executive coaching: https://virtualexecutivedirector.com/