Plus Power Pack: Executive Board Survival Skills
Our best tips and advice for helping executive boards work well together.
Many PTO boards start off like a dream team, but it’s not uncommon for some eye rolls and side snarky comments to enter the mix. Don’t stress—there are steps a PTO president can take to help executive board members work together and at a minimum, respect one another.
Know It Won’t Always Be Easy
As a PTO leader, you’ll bump into all types: the know-it-alls, the ones who always says yes, and the ones who steamroll over everyone. So expect a potpourri of personalities on the board. The key is to know what motivates folks (often, they just want to be heard). “Dealing With Difficult People” will give you all the tips you need.
Referee When Necessary
Sometimes, a PTO leader needs to sit down with board members and help them discuss a problem. A leader needs to be direct and ask others to do so as well. It’s not always easy stuff, but our article on managing discord on the board can help.
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Take Them Away
Summer retreats for new board members are common, but retreats can happen anytime throughout the school year. If your board members aren’t connecting, do a mini retreat at a restaurant or other offsite location. It really helps get everyone to focus on what’s important—supporting the school and the kids.
Use this mini retreat outline to have a successful meeting:
As a nice touch, print out this quote and share it at your next mini retreat (or board meeting). It’s a great way to remind everyone of your team’s purpose.
