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 boards mired down in the funk of challenges that are affecting performance and engagement, I asked Jaime to share lessons from her book that can help a board get UnFunkt.
What is UnFunkt?
To help frame this article, my first question to Jaime was to please explain what is UnFunkt and how can it relate to a nonprofit, association, or chamber of commerce board?
She shared, “UnFunkt is the practice of quieting the noise that keeps people stuck and reigniting the energy that helps them show up with intention.
For boards, that “funk” often looks like disengagement, unclear expectations, or meetings that check boxes but don’t create momentum.
Research shows only about 30% of employees feel engaged at work, and boards are no different. UnFunkt helps shift from passive participation to active ownership by focusing on small, intentional actions that create real connection, clarity, and accountability.”
How can a board benefit from being UnFunkt?
When I asked Jaime how a board can benefit from being UnFunkt? She responded with this observation, “UnFunkt helps boards move from obligation to ownership.
When applied, it creates clarity around roles, strengthens communication, and builds trust among members. Many boards struggle with engagement and accountability, with studies showing a significant number of nonprofit boards feel underperforming.
By focusing on human connection first, boards become more aligned, more present, and more willing to contribute. The result is better decision-making, stronger fundraising outcomes, and a board that feels like a team, not just a group of names on paper.”
What is methodology for getting UnFunkt?
Jaime outlined three micro-moves when I asked what is the methodology for getting UnFunkt?
She said, “It starts with small, intentional shifts.
Micro-Move #1, Bring the Vibe, Be the Vibe, challenges each member to take ownership of the energy they bring into the room. Micro-Move #2, Pause with Purpose, encourages boards to slow down and ask better questions instead of rushing through agendas.
Micro-Move #3, Words Matter, helps shift conversations from surface-level updates to meaningful dialogue. A simple tool like asking, “What’s your number from 1–10 today?” creates awareness and opens connection.
These micro-moves build trust, increase engagement, and turn meetings into moments that actually move the mission forward.”
What are suggestions for getting buy-in for a new concept?
Introducing a new concept and getting acceptance so it develops into a mindset as an ongoing board culture can be challenge.
To successfully introduce UnFunkt and have it be developed into part of a board’s culture, Jaime advises, “Start simple and make it visible.
Introduce one micro-move at a time and model it consistently, beginning with leadership. Build it into meetings with quick check-ins, intentional language, and moments of reflection.
According to Gallup, recognition and meaningful connection drive engagement, so create space for both.
Most importantly, don’t treat this as a one-time initiative. Culture shifts through repetition. When small actions become shared habits, the board naturally evolves into a more connected, accountable, and energized group.
But wait, is there more to share?
Jaime added an additional micro-move to help boards become UnFunkt.
“Micro-Move #4, Dare to Compare…Just Don’t, is critical for boards. In a world competing for the same dollars, it’s easy to look at other boards, especially when members serve elsewhere. But comparison creates distraction, not progress.
Strong boards stay focused on their mission by getting clear on goals, defining each member’s “why,” and aligning on what support looks like. Clear expectations and accountability keep the board engaged and moving forward. That’s how you get UnFunkt.”
To reinforce what she has so graciously shared, Jaime provided this UnFunkt take action check list.
How the Current Micro-Moves Translate to Boards –
Micro-Move #1: Bring the Vibe, Be the Vibe → Bring the Leadership You Expect
Micro-Move #2: Pause with Purpose → Don’t Just Meet, Make Meaning
Micro-Move #3: Words Matter. Choose Wisely. → Say What Matters, Not Just What’s Safe
Micro-Move #4: Dare to Compare—Just Don’t → Stay Mission-Focused, Not Board-Focused
Micro-Move #5: Fuel Others with Appreciation → Recognize What’s Working
Micro-Move #6: Be Intentional by Default → Own Your Role, Not Just Your Seat
Micro-Move #7: Normalize Asking for Help → Ask, Offer, and Activate Support
Micro-Move #8: Celebrate Small Wins → Track Progress, Not Just Big Outcomes
Micro-Move #9: Listen to Your Second Brain → Trust Insight, Then Take Action
Micro-Move #10: Own Your Impact → Strengthen the Follow-Through
Micro-Move #11: Little Moves, Big Impact → Small Actions, Stronger Boards
Thank You Jaime Marco for sharing this valuable insight to help nonprofit boards get UnFunkt! Learn more about Jaime on her website: www.JaimeMarco.com
If your board seems stuck in the funk of not creating the impact you want, board member engagement is not what it should be, and your board is not moving in a purposeful direction, apply these lessons from Jaime to get UnFunkt.