In these stressful days for nonprofits, it may seem odd to have the words board service and humor in close proximity. But I was reminded of the importance of levity in board bonding at a retreat I facilitated last weekend.The group worked hard all day, then went out for an early meal together. I could see there was a method to how the board chair indicated seating around the table. And then I watched a long-standing board member unwind and work his wit on one of the newest board members.
As I saw the newer board member throw back his head and laugh, I realized I’d been worried about the ability of the board culture, in a time when the board was facing tough decisions about cutting programs, to absorb this new recruit. I was concerned that he wouldn’t stick it out – that times were too tough, it wasn’t fun.
Fun – now there’s a novel concept for nonprofit board service….
Humor is a great way for people to bridge the gap between their personal and professional selves; between the matters at hand and their life-experiences perspective; and to simply swallow the bitter medicine that is part of board service nowadays.
"If you’re going to tell people the truth, you’d better make them laugh. Otherwise, they’ll kill you."
We may not be able to change the grim environment we’re forced to spend board meetings responding to – but the quality of the company we keep can make all the difference in how grim the process is of meeting today’s board challenges.
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As an organizational psychologist and a big believer in the power of laughter, I couldn't agree more. Comfort and humor are important for any group dynamic and impactful board work is no exception.
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