Shaping an ED's first year with board relationships

The first year of an ED role is shaped more by your board relationships than almost anything else.

Three habits make the difference:

1. Take the time to listen: In your first 90 days, sit down one-on-one with every board member. Don’t pitch your plans. Ask what drew them to the mission, what we do well, where we’re vulnerable, and how they want to hear from you. You’ll learn the unwritten history of your org, including founder or staff dynamics, donor idiosyncrasies, and past challenges that might impact your work moving forward.

2. The Monthly Check In: Board members are often volunteers with day jobs and many moving parts. Sending a short, predictable update on a reliable basis can really help make things go more smoothly. Lead with the 2-3 things they most need to know. Cover fundraising, finance, key program metrics, and any risks. Be honest about what’s keeping you up at night, boards extend remarkable trust to EDs who can identify and name problems early.

3. The Informal Connection: Between updates, take the time to catch up. Forward a relevant article. Call to ask their thoughts. Send a note after a donor intro. The first time a board member hears from you about a problem should not be when it’s already a crisis.

One cautionary note: be even-handed. It’s easy to gravitate to the two or three members who are easiest to talk to. Track your outreach so no one is left out.

Listening builds the relationship. Written updates create transparency. Informal touchpoints keep trust warm.

Consistency, candor, and real curiosity beat charisma every time.

What would you add?