Teamwork Isn't Just About Doing the Work - It's About Communicating, Too

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from serving on and leading nonprofit boards is that great teams don’t just do the work—they keep each other informed along the way.

When you’re part of a nonprofit board, you’re surrounded by people who are giving their time and energy for free. Everyone has day jobs, family commitments, and life obligations. That’s why it’s essential to offer help when you can, and to be willing to give updates on the tasks you’ve agreed to take on.

Updates are not about micromanagement—they’re about building trust and keeping the team moving forward. Without them, small doubts can start to grow, and progress can stall.

I once served on a board with a young woman who resisted both sides of that equation. She didn’t want help with her tasks, and she became defensive if someone asked her how things were going or reminded her of a deadline. The other board members genuinely wanted to support her, but she took their check-ins as a sign that they didn’t believe she was capable.

On the flip side, the rest of the team began to worry because she never offered updates or reassurances. They weren’t sure if she was making progress or if her part of the work would be done on time. This created frustration on both sides, until eventually, she left the board. And I have to admit—the board’s work became far smoother and more collaborative after that.

The takeaway? In a nonprofit (or any team), helping each other and openly communicating about progress are equally important. Offering support shows that you care about the mission, and providing updates shows that you value the trust others have placed in you. That’s how you keep everyone rowing in the same direction—together.

Until next time, keep leading with passion and purpose. 💌 Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Email me at [email protected] — I’d love to hear from you.