4 Tips for Building and Sustaining Board Cohesion

Strengthen Collective Effectiveness and Support Aligned Decisions

Fostering Board Cohesion: 3 Common Pitfalls to Avoid to Move Forward Together

Have you ever wondered why some boards of directors seem to move forward effortlessly, in full synergy, while others get stuck in awkward silences and slow decision-making? If so, you’re not alone. There are invisible (yet very real) dynamics at play that deeply impact how a board functions.

Today, I want to share three common pitfalls that can undermine team cohesion within a board of directors. And of course, I’ll share a few practical tips to help you avoid them. Whether you're in the chair position, an engaged board director, or simply invested in your board's success, this article is for you.

1. The “Efficiency at All Costs” Trap: Focusing on the Agenda and Forgetting the People

It’s tempting to stick to the agenda, approve the minutes, and move to the next item. Many boards focus on deliverables, documents, and deadlines — and forget that real people sit around the table.

The Risk: You end up with a board that looks great on paper but lacks real human connection. Conversations stay surface-level, disagreements are avoided, and decisions take longer to mature as a group. Trust remains fragile.

The Tip: Plan at least one relationship-building moment per year: a board retreat, a shared meal, a casual gathering, or simply a warm check-in at the start of a meeting. Even a heartfelt roundtable or a thoughtful opening question can shift the group dynamic.

The Impact: A board that knows each other better, works with more openness, and makes better-aligned decisions — even in challenging situations.

2. The “Unstructured Welcome” Trap: Onboarding New Board Members Without Clarity

We’ve all seen it: a new person joins the board, they’re thanked for being there... and that’s the end of the welcome. No clarity about their role, responsibilities, or how the board actually works.

The Risk: That person may hesitate to speak up or feel excluded. Without clear expectations, they may feel lost or unsure of their place, which can disrupt the board’s dynamics and reduce engagement.

The Tip: Plan a structured onboarding moment. During their orientation, review the mission, vision, governance structure, roles, and expectations. Involve the chair, the executive director, and ideally a seasoned board member.

It doesn’t need to be elaborate (even a 30-minute conversation can go a long way).

The Impact: A more aligned team from the start, where everyone understands their role and feels confident contributing.

3. The “Silence Over Substance” Trap: Letting Unspoken Tensions Build Up

In the name of harmony, we avoid tension. We let small issues slide. We gloss over awkward comments, vague confusion, or misunderstood decisions. We tell ourselves it’ll blow over. But it rarely does.

The Risk: Unspoken tensions erode trust and stall decision-making. The board becomes a fragile space where people walk on eggshells. This false sense of harmony holds back the group’s potential.

The Tip: Adopt a clear code of conduct with built-in guidelines for navigating disagreement. But don’t stop there: use it. As board chair, your role is to create space for dialogue, reframe statements when needed, and invite differing perspectives — without judgment.

It’s not about controlling conflict — it’s about guiding the group back to what matters. That’s real leadership.

The Impact: A board that can surface disagreement respectfully and constructively, without letting tensions undermine trust or slow down decisions.

In Closing: You Are the Key

These pitfalls are common, but they’re also avoidable.

As a director or officer — and especially as chair — you play a key role in shaping the environment where collaboration thrives. Every small gesture matters: asking a thoughtful question, warmly welcoming someone new, naming the tension in the room.

Cohesion isn’t a fixed state — it’s a practice. You nurture it. You sustain it. You build it one conversation at a time.

So… what might you adjust before your next board meeting?