How to Make Progress on a Board Goal in 5 Minutes

Julia Koch, Director of Development & Advocacy at The Hope Project, Muskegon, MI, recently asked, “Do you have any suggestions for 5-minute training during board meetings to help the board members get to know each other better and also become more engaged?”

I define training as an experience where someone teaches others to gain competencies, skills, or knowledge. Creating them in five-minute periods is a tall order.

But here it is.

Creating a five-minute training for two goals (i.e., knowing each other better and becoming more engaged) is cloud-level ambitious. While it is possible,  I recommend you set a smaller goal, such as: to help your board members understand each other’s thoughts about an issue.

A 5 Minute Nonprofit Board Example Exercise or Activity

Ask your members to:
1. Stand up.
2. Find someone you don’t know well (Define “know well” when they protest they know everyone. They don’t.)
3. Share their beliefs, concerns, or why they are excited about one topic on the agenda for 2 minutes each.
4. After 4 minutes, ask them to sit and share what they learned with the group for 1 minute.
5. Take notes on a whiteboard or large pad. Note commonalities and segue into the agenda item.

Regular one-on-one interactions like these build relationships between board members, create more thoughtful discussions and support long-term board engagement.

For more answers and tactics, check out this shelf in Karen’s Nonprofit CEO Library.

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