Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game

“Hardy Smith has the credibility to write Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game as a tool to address the concerns of tens of thousands of nonprofit boards. This exciting new book offers real-world situations. Answers are provided based on extensive research, years of consultation, and the citations of respected business authors and leaders. A must-read for nominating committees to draw the best volunteer candidates.”  —Bob Harris, CAE, NonprofitCenter.com

“I really like the use of personal stories along with the depth and diversity of other sources—not just nonprofit or fundraising sources—that make this book very, very cool! The included surveys and interviews are great and supported with lots of good examples, tips, and resources.” —Simone P. Joyaux, ACFRE, Adv Dip, FAFP, author of Keep Your Donors, Strategic Fund Development, and Firing Lousy Board Members

“In the 30-plus years I’ve worked with nonprofits, board performance and engagement have always been a challenge. Hardy’s strategies, helpful anecdotes, and sound recommendations will help strengthen the effectiveness of your board.” —Alyce Lee Stansbury, CFRE, founder/president, Stansbury Consulting

“Hardy Smith has compiled the most complete work on how to recruit, reward, and retain a high-performing nonprofit board that I have ever read. Don’t put it on a shelf; keep it on your desk as a guide!” —Barry Banther, chairman of the board, National Speakers Association, former chairman of the board, Florida State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities

“Hardy offers an in-depth look at board dynamics and practical ways to get staff and the board operating in a positive and productive manner. A must-read for nonprofit organizations.” —Frank Rudd, CAE, CMP, president and CEO, Florida Society of Association Executives

“Hardy’s book, Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game, is every organization’s ‘must-have handbook’ for developing the right board that goes beyond the current status quo. Engaging, informative, and solution oriented, this book should be included in your organization’s handout to all board members. As a board member, you will learn the techniques and strategies that will allow you to hit the ground running and increase your nonprofit’s performance, giving you a sense of pride for a job well done.” —Candace Lightner, founder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and We Save Lives

“Hardy Smith has successfully taken on the complex challenge of nonprofit board engagement. Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game identifies causes that contribute to board members not meeting expectations and provides solid action strategies to overcome those issues.” —Nick Craw, former director, Peace Corps

“In his personally researched book, Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game, Hardy Smith identifies tangible and time-tested processes that go a long way toward improving the effectiveness, rewards, and meaningful outcomes from leaders serving on boards of directors.” —Tim Jackson, CMP, CAE, president and CEO, Colorado Automobile Dealers Association

“Hardy Smith’s new book on boards, including chamber boards, is a must-read for all chamber CEOs, board chairs, and board members. The wisdom and words of advice contained in the pages will greatly improve your organization, when implemented.”   —Frank J. Kenny, founder, Chamber Pros Community

“Positive, productive relationships between board members and staff are the key to success for nonprofit boards. In this blueprint, Hardy Smith provides tips for avoiding relationship mistakes that contribute to board member disengagement.” —Ruby Newell-Legner, fan experience expert at 7 Star Service, past president, National Speakers Association

“Most board books are written from the organization’s perspective. Hardy has flipped the script and highlights volunteers’ voices, offering a unique approach to stopping the blame game.” —Mary Byers, CAE, CSP, author of Race for Relevance: 5 Radical Changes for Associations

“This is the book we’ve needed. Hardy provides a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by nonprofit boards. He provides lighthearted but meaningful analogies combined with practical solutions. The guided questions in each chapter allow nonprofit leaders to make real action plans that will lead to positive changes for their organizations.” —Sara Leonard, MBA, CFR, Sara Leonard Group