The Heart Work of Board Work

Can we keep it 100? Most boards don’t need another cookie-cutter training, they need something real. Something that doesn’t start with bylaws and end with unanswered questions. Less “read the rulebook,” more “read the room.” Consider this my friendly warning shot at boring board training everywhere.

Because all the strategy, structure, and spreadsheets in the world can’t fix what a lack of emotional intelligence will break.

And right now? Boardrooms everywhere are feeling it.

Between rising costs, government shutdowns, funding freezes, and the constant uncertainty of “what’s next,” everyone’s nerves are frayed. Executive directors are running on caffeine and cortisol. Staff are stretched thin. Board members are juggling their own professional and personal stress. And yet, everyone’s expected to show up calm, composed, and collaborative.

Spoiler alert: that’s not happening!

So, before we schedule another “governance refresher,” maybe we start with something deeper—heart work!

What Emotional Intelligence Really Means (And Why It Matters)

At its core, emotional intelligence (EQ) is about understanding yourself and others—and managing those emotions in a way that doesn’t drain the energy out of the room.

It’s not about being soft; it’s about being self-aware. And in this moment of nonprofit uncertainty, EQ might be the most powerful leadership skill your board can cultivate.

It looks like:

• A chair noticing the tension in the room and saying, “Let’s take a pause.”

• A member admitting, “I’m feeling frustrated about these cuts, but I want to find a solution together.”

• A board asking, “How does this decision affect the staff and the community we serve?”

  
  

EQ helps boards disagree without disrespect. It builds trust when anxiety runs high. It’s what makes people feel safe enough to be honest—and honest enough to make hard calls.

What Happens When Boards Lose Their Heart

When emotional intelligence is missing, even the smartest, most experienced boards crumble under pressure.

• Meetings turn into power struggles.

• Feedback feels like an attack.

• Conflict festers.

• Engagement tanks.

  
  

And let’s be honest: fear makes people weird. In uncertain times, if we don’t know how to manage emotions, they manage us. That’s when missions drift, staff leave, and trust evaporates.

A board without EQ can’t lead through chaos—they just add to it.

The Magic of EQ in Action

Now imagine a board that gets it. A board that breathes through the tension, stays grounded in its mission, and remembers that the people at the table matter as much as the policies on paper.

That’s emotional intelligence at work.

It looks like the finance chair saying, “Before we talk numbers, let’s talk about impact.”It’s the member who checks in after a tough meeting: “You okay? That was a hard one.”It’s the chair who can hold space for both accountability and empathy.

Boards like that don’t just survive tough seasons, they come out stronger, more united, and more effective.

How to Bring More Heart into the Boardroom

Building emotional intelligence doesn’t require magic, it just takes intention.

1. Start with a vibe check. Begin meetings with a quick emotional pulse: “How’s everyone showing up today?”

2. Model composure. When stress rises, slow down. Take a breath. Reset the tone.

3. Lead with empathy. Acknowledge how people feel before jumping into strategy.

4. Reflect often. After a big decision, debrief how it felt, not just what got done.

5. Train for EQ. Make emotional intelligence part of your board development plan. (Hint: I can help with that.)

   
   

Heart Work Is Board Work

Here’s the truth: stress, fear, and uncertainty aren’t going anywhere. But we can choose how we lead through them.

Real board training isn’t just about compliance—it’s about connection. It’s learning how to lead with courage, compassion, and clarity when times are tough.

Because the most effective boards don’t just think strategically—they feel strategically.

So, before you book another webinar on governance, ask this: How’s our heart?

Because doing the work of the heart is the real work of the board.

💡 Ready to lead with heart?

Book The Board Pro to bring an EQ tune-up to your boardroom. Through real talk, laughter, and learning that actually sticks, I’ll help your board lead with empathy, equity, and emotional intelligence.

Book some time with me, Christal M. Cherry, The Board Pro, at www.theboardpro.com