Article by Ellis McGehee Carter

Lawyers who regularly represent tax-exempt and non-profit organizations are eventually solicited for advice regarding non-profit governance. Here are some of the most common governance mistakes witnessed in my practice:

1. Failing to Understand Fiduciary Duties.
2. Failing to Provide Effective Oversight.
3. Deference to the Executive Committee, Board Chair or the Organization’s Founder.
4. Micro-managing Staff.
5. Avoiding The Hard Questions.
6. Insufficient Conflict Management.
7. Lack of Awareness of Laws Governing Tax-Exempts.
8. Operating with Outdated, Inconsistent Governing Documents.
9. Airing Disagreements Outside the Boardroom.
10. Failure to Cultivate Board Diversity.

To read more, visit: http://charitylawyerblog.com/2009/09/12/top-ten-non-profit-governance-mistakes/