A well-run board has a crisp, efficient feel. Board meetings have a purpose and everyone is involved in discussions. Differing opinions are exchanged calmly and without emotion so that all recommendations are thoroughly reviewed prior to a final decision. All board members are working between meetings on something related to the organization. Enthusiasm levels are high and a sense of achievement and progress is in the air.

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If this doesn't sound like your board, don't despair. You are in good company because many boards go through periods when they seem to tread water and their members lack enthusiasm. Perhaps your board suffers from one or more of these symptoms:
1. The same discussions are repeated each meeting without resolution.
2. The same, few people do all the work and the others are going along for the ride.
3. Long board meetings focus on details that most board members don't understand or care about.
4. Several board members are missing from each meeting.

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We know that large, repetitive board meetings can dampen the spirits of most board members. In some cases a few board members conduct all of the business and the other members are unsure of how they can make a contribution. And we know that absentee board members create a negative cycle - absent members are not engaged so other board members are wondering why they bother.
Sometimes it only takes a small change to enliven a board. Often when a board establishes board committees (or re-invigorates the board committees that have stalled) this makes all the difference in the world. Board members that may have been disengaged perk up and start to contribute because they feel a sense of place that they may have lacked previously.
Any nonprofit board should have these four committees: Board Development, Fundraising, Finance, Personnel. Other committees that you might consider forming are: Marketing, Operations, Membership, Volunteer Management, Strategy, Partnerships.
Once each of your board members has been assigned to one committee, make sure that each committee meets to decide on 2 or 3 objectives that they will accomplish in the next 6 month or year. For well-defined objectives, make sure that each objective is:
1. Time-Bound - By when is the action going to take place?
2. Measurable - How will you know when it's finished?
3. Assigned - Who is responsible for the completion of this action?
Ask each Committee Chairperson to stand up in front of the rest of the board and commit to the 2 or 3 objectives that their committee will achieve in the coming months. Put each committee's objectives in writing and make sure that everyone on the board has a copy of all objectives for all committees. Make sure that each committee knows what decisions it can make on its own and which decisions need the approval of the entire board.

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If your board lacks clarity or energy, don't be afraid to revisit your board committees and see if you can revive them. Giving each board member a place of contribution can encourage everyone to participate in the business of the board and raise the overall level of enthusiasm for your organization.