Six F Words to Navigate Nonprofit Board Challenges Effectively

If you’ve worked with a nonprofit Board, you know it’s a unique challenge. Board members bring diverse backgrounds, motivations, and perspectives to the table, which can either propel the organization forward or create tension and slow progress. Managing these dynamics is key to effective governance.

At a recent Ottawa Association Executive Network meet-up—co-hosted by Otus Financial Solutions—local nonprofit leaders gathered to discuss governance and share insights. The event featured a dynamic panel with Megan Wallace of Mann Lawyers LLP, Beth McMahon of the Hotel Association of Canada, and Mathieu Langelier of the International Actuarial Association. While the panelists offered valuable insights, it was a follow-up email from Claude Paul Boivin, a governance veteran, that introduced a particularly useful framework: Peter Browning’s six F words for categorizing Board members.

These six categories—friends, foes, fence-sitters, fixers, followers, and futurists—offer a lens for understanding Board dynamics and strategies for working with diverse personalities. As a financial management and consulting firm, Otus Financial Solutions knows that strong governance is essential for sound financial decision-making. Let’s dive into the six F words and how they can help nonprofits navigate their Boardrooms.

1. Friends

Friends are loyal and enthusiastic supporters. They bring energy and positivity to the Boardroom, often cheering for the organization during challenging times.

Potential pitfall: Their loyalty may lead them to avoid tough questions or shy away from challenging decisions.

How to work with them: Leverage their enthusiasm to build morale but encourage critical thinking by framing questions as opportunities to strengthen the organization.

2. Foes

Foes are the skeptics who frequently push back against decisions. While they can be challenging, their dissent can spark valuable conversations and prevent groupthink.

Potential pitfall: If unchecked, their negativity can derail progress and create tension.

How to work with them: Understand their concerns and channel their energy into constructive roles, like leading committees or conducting focused reviews.

3. Fence-Sitters

Fence-sitters stay neutral, often avoiding conflict and letting others take the lead. While they don’t disrupt meetings, their lack of engagement can slow decision-making.

Potential pitfall: Their passivity can hinder progress and innovation.

How to work with them: Actively seek their input during discussions and provide opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully.

4. Fixers

Fixers are the problem-solvers who dive headfirst into challenges. They’re action-oriented and dependable, but their hands-on approach can sometimes sideline others.

Potential pitfall: Acting independently without group consensus.

How to work with them: Assign them specific projects and encourage regular check-ins with the Board to ensure alignment.

5. Followers

Followers are steady supporters who prefer to go with the flow. While they don’t lead initiatives, they provide consistency and reliability.

Potential pitfall: Their lack of initiative may limit their potential contributions.

How to work with them: Gradually build their confidence by assigning manageable tasks and encouraging leadership opportunities.

6. Futurists

Futurists are the visionaries who focus on long-term goals. They inspire strategic planning but may lose sight of immediate challenges.

Potential pitfall: Getting caught up in the big picture at the expense of present-day realities.

How to work with them: Pair them with fixers to translate their ideas into actionable steps while keeping them grounded in the organization’s current needs.

Why This Matters for Financial Management

Strong governance isn’t just about managing personalities—it’s also about ensuring sound financial oversight. The six F words framework can help nonprofit leaders identify gaps in their Boards’ composition that could impact financial decision-making. For example:

• Friends might overlook budgetary concerns in their enthusiasm.
• Foes could challenge financial strategies, prompting critical reviews.
• Fixers might implement financial solutions without full Board consensus, leading to misalignment.

At Otus Financial Solutions, we help nonprofit leaders build financial systems that align with their Boards’ strategic goals. From providing actionable insights during budget reviews to supporting long-term financial planning, our expertise complements strong governance practices.

Final Thoughts

Every nonprofit Board is unique, but finding the right mix of personalities can transform your organization’s decision-making process. By understanding the six F words and tailoring your approach to each Board member, you can foster collaboration, reduce frustration, and maximize impact.

If you’re curious about how governance impacts your financial strategy, let’s connect. At Otus, we specialize in helping nonprofits align their financial systems with their strategic vision, ensuring long-term success.