- by Sophie Pinkoski

As we settle into the summer months, board work tends to slow down, and board members have a well-deserved break from the pressures of the normal meeting rhythm. But that doesn’t mean board work comes to a complete halt. Some boards can’t afford to take a summer hiatus as they navigate sudden change both within their organization and out in the world. No matter if you’re meeting less or continuing as normal, there are certain things you and your board can still focus on this summer to keep your momentum going. Specifically, this can be a phase of development for your board. 

Lean into the reduced board intensity that summer brings to build a better board.

Here are some things your board can focus on during the summer months:

Board composition–– The quiet months are a fantastic time to review your board’s composition and revisit your skills matrix.

Identify what skills you’re currently missing from your board, whether it’s an ongoing gap, or to anticipate upcoming changes in board members.

What does everyone on your current board bring to the table? Has the nature of your organization changed enough to need an updated mix of board members? Consider whether your board is diverse enough to avoid group think, blind spots, or unconscious biases. Keeping abreast of incoming trends can help bring in new skills, knowledge, and expertise to keep your organization agile in an ever-evolving market.

Board culture–– Take this moment to build trust and rapport with one another. Casual get-togethers and coffee / virtual connections are ideal for intentionally building interpersonal relations with your fellow board members. These are low stakes moments where you can build trust as you get to know each other outside the board.

Giving individuals a sense of belonging within a community facilitates healthy board culture.

These casual one-on-one sessions can also help you gauge how each individual defines the board’s purpose and how it applies to their own particular values. This can allow you to realign them to the board’s values in a meaningful way– a thoughtful approach to purposeful engagement.

Strategic planning–– Summertime can also be a time to reassess the board’s current strategic plan. With the unpredictable nature of the world, it’s natural for priorities to change. Is it time in the fall to schedule strategic discussions or to confirm priorities for the year ahead?

Review your strategic plan and get a sense of whether it is the best fit for the changing world.

What has changed for your organization lately that will necessitate putting new strategies in place? What progress has been made this year thus far and what action items can be pushed forward on your to-do list for the coming months? These quiet months can be a calm before the storm. Take advantage of that calm to get ahead of any future chaos. This is a chance to be proactive about future planning to build your organization’s resilience.

Individual development–– Time away from the collective group is perfect for self-reflection. Some directors might be keen on building their skills to take on a new role.

This may be a chance to set up development goals for board members to work toward throughout the year.

Check in with board members and how professional development will empower them to contribute more value to decision-making and discussions. They may also have ideas and concerns to share about the board culture, interpersonal dynamics, and how those are supporting or distracting the board's performance. These casual one-on-ones can also help glean hidden skills and interests they could potentially bring to the board with further development geared toward their passions and personal aspirations.

Maintaining momentum throughout the summer can be a challenge with everyone on different holiday schedules, but it’s not impossible. Taking the time to reflect and recharge means everyone can come back in the fall refreshed and re-energized to tackle the remainder of the year. Use your time in the summer months intentionally in order to set your board up for success. Treat it like your secret weapon, rather than a weak spot. This is a time to come back stronger than ever; your organization will thank you for it.

Further Reading

Summertime is the Perfect Time to Build Your Board, Cause Effective

Board Productivity Over the Summer, Phil

Why Summer Is So Important for Boards, BBC

The Nonprofit Summer Slide, Stanford Social Innovation Review

20 Ways Business Leaders Can Make The Most Of A Slow Summer Season, Forbes