Diversity in the Boardroom
Essential 2: Commitment to Board Development and Growth
People of faith, including those serving on the boards of theological schools in Canada and the United States, often emphasize the value of opinions, life experiences, and gifts of all God’s children. However, a peek into almost any boardroom reveals that aspirations run far ahead of reality. According to a recent survey conducted by the In Trust Center, despite progress in gender representation within boardrooms over the past two decades, theological school boards predominately remain composed of white men, most of who are over the age of 60. In other words, they’re not exactly pipelines to greater diversity.
Nor does it help that as the language of diversity has become politicized, conflict-adverse board leaders avoid the topic for fear of causing tension among members. Additionally, there’s the human inclination to steer away from the topic whenever confronted by change. Board members are hesitant to disrupt the status quo of a cozy boardroom.
So, what are board leaders intent on fostering diversity to do? The following four steps are a good beginning.
- Acknowledge the Elephant: Rushing headlong into diversity recruitment can alienate reluctant board members. It’s important to carefully and candidly acknowledge any discomfort in the room. Wise stewards understand the need to win hearts before attempting to change minds.
- Go Local: Context matters. When discussing diversity, link it explicitly to the institution’s mission and vision. Framing the conversations within the specific context of the school and its constituents helps alleviate concerns that external standards are driving the agenda.
- Have a Plan: While charismatic leadership can temporarily rally a board for a meeting, a sustainable change requires more than enthusiasm. A well-thought-out plan, along with the discipline to execute it, is essential. As one seasoned board leader cautioned, “Flying by the seat of our pants rarely leads to good results.”
- Aim for Belonging: Diversity is more than inclusion; it’s about envisioning how existing board members will be positively shaped by serving alongside colleagues who bring different perspectives. Inviting diverse voices into the boardroom is only the beginning -- fostering a sense of belonging necessitates embracing differences and expecting change.
Recruiting a more diverse board isn’t a checkbox waiting to be ticked; it represents the institution’s doorway to new ideas and broader networks. Wise stewards embrace diversity as a gift from God and a resource for guiding the leadership of the theological school under their stewardship.
Discussion Questions
Review the steps being taken to form a more diverse board. What is working well? Where do we struggle? (Investigative)
What is our overarching goal for the composition of the board? In other words, what are we trying to achieve? (Interpretive)
How do individual board members feel about this effort? (Subjective)
Resources