Dealing With Difficult Boards
October 6, 2026
Difficult boards rarely appear out of nowhere. They are shaped by perceptions, behaviors, and circumstances that can evolve over time. The first step in addressing
Welcome to Hardy Smith’s blog, where he shares experience and insight learned through decades in the corporate world and advocating on behalf of nonprofits and associations across America.
Hardy’s mission is to help maximize the performance of nonprofits and associations and their essential leadership teams.
If you’re seeking to triumph over communication challenges, bring meaningful and manageable solutions to, and realize measurable results of your organization, this blog will give you more than ideas — it will maximize your team’s performance like never before.
Difficult boards rarely appear out of nowhere. They are shaped by perceptions, behaviors, and circumstances that can evolve over time. The first step in addressing
Conflict between CEO and Board Chair, between CEO and board members, and among board members themselves is an escalating problem in nonprofit, association, and chamber
Nonprofit organizations are driven by a shared mission, but that mission can become disconnected from day-to-day work. Boards spend time setting strategic priorities, while staff
Using board mentors or board buddies can be an excellent way to get new board members engaged and to help them feel included. To get
Two Gaps Affecting Nonprofit Governance ( My article was originally published at https://www.uschamber.com/chambers-of-commerce by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Institute for Organization Management. Republished with permission.) Shortcomings in
UnFunkt is a fun, attention grabbing title of speaker colleague Jaime Marco’s book. However, it is definitely a book with a serious message. For nonprofit
In a world that rewards speed and surface-level understanding, choosing to sit with ideas, absorb perspectives, and reflect deeply is an intentional act of growth.
How can nonprofit organizations create a culture of accountability—one where commitments made in the boardroom actually translate into meaningful action? Leaders of nonprofits, chambers of
Volunteers are the heartbeat of many nonprofit organizations, associations, and chambers of commerce. When engaged effectively, they extend an organization’s reach, deepen community impact, and
In my Chamber Pros Online Conference interview with host Frank Kenny , we explored one of the most persistent frustrations chamber, association, and nonprofit executives
Difficult boards rarely appear out of nowhere. They are shaped by perceptions, behaviors, and circumstances that can evolve over time. The first step in addressing
Conflict between CEO and Board Chair, between CEO and board members, and among board members themselves is an escalating problem in nonprofit, association, and chamber
Nonprofit organizations are driven by a shared mission, but that mission can become disconnected from day-to-day work. Boards spend time setting strategic priorities, while staff
Using board mentors or board buddies can be an excellent way to get new board members engaged and to help them feel included. To get
Two Gaps Affecting Nonprofit Governance ( My article was originally published at https://www.uschamber.com/chambers-of-commerce by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Institute for Organization Management. Republished with permission.) Shortcomings in
UnFunkt is a fun, attention grabbing title of speaker colleague Jaime Marco’s book. However, it is definitely a book with a serious message. For nonprofit
In a world that rewards speed and surface-level understanding, choosing to sit with ideas, absorb perspectives, and reflect deeply is an intentional act of growth.
How can nonprofit organizations create a culture of accountability—one where commitments made in the boardroom actually translate into meaningful action? Leaders of nonprofits, chambers of
Volunteers are the heartbeat of many nonprofit organizations, associations, and chambers of commerce. When engaged effectively, they extend an organization’s reach, deepen community impact, and
In my Chamber Pros Online Conference interview with host Frank Kenny , we explored one of the most persistent frustrations chamber, association, and nonprofit executives
