Effectively Managing Board Conflict
Successful Strategies For Resolving Disagreements Among Volunteers
Oct 19, 2009
Volunteers who agree to serve on nonprofit boards usually do so because they feel passionately about the mission of that organization. Disparate individuals with strong feelings and varying perspectives will inevitably stir up conflict at some point. Conflict is healthy if dealt with directly but can become destructive if allowed to fester. Here are a few strategies for addressing conflict in a positive manner.
Beneficial Versus Destructive Conflict
Conflict can be helpful to an organization or relationship when it leads to a better understanding of the perspectives of others. It is also beneficial when it leads to the development of solutions to problems that involve input from everyone. Conflict that leads to consensus is key to the organization's sustainability and growth.
On the other hand, disagreements can become harmful when they become a personal attack on another individual or individuals and detract from the important issues at hand. It can also become negative when it undermines board and staff morale and leads to greater differences rather than fostering improved team building.
Sources of Conflict
Conflict can be attributed to a number of factors such as:
- Poor communication
- A desire for control or power on the part of one or more members
- Lack of clarity as to the role and responsibilities of the board, the executive director and staff
- An ineffectual board chair – a chairman who is too passive will allow conflict to become destructive while an over controlling chair may squelch conflict in a misguided effort to keep discussions non-confrontational.
Strategies for Successfully Resolving Conflict Among Board Members
Conflict can be managed in a number of ways. These strategies include the following:
- Clarification as to the roles and responsibilities of the board- this can be accomplished through a thorough board orientation and job descriptions.
- Selection of an effective board chair who will be attuned to conflict and will address it directly and objectively
- Annual job evaluations board members
- Establishing standards of behavior for the board
- Addressing conflict head on when it occurs – remind members that disagreement and open dialogue are necessary and healthy when done with respect
- Foster sound interpersonal communication
- View conflict as a “win win" negotiations
- It is important to secure outside expertise early on if the situation warrants it.
Disagreements can not be avoided among individuals with differing viewpoints that are striving to advance and are willing to challenge the status quo. Conflict can help boards clarify important issues and strategies. Interpersonal problems that are avoided lead to dysfunctional organizations and have to be dealt with straight on to avoid harm to the organization.
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