[kekeblom]

I would add that the probability of a task getting done, is inversely proportional to the distance between the people deciding about the task and the people who will actually do it.

Since the board members are almost never the people implementing the decisions, the plan is much less likely to get executed. The decision needs buy-in from the CEO and then the employees. Since the board members don't spend much time with the CEO and employees and they have a very different view of things, that buy-in is likely to be weak, so the plan gets watered down every step of the way.

Really makes you realize why things are so inefficient in public organizations and politics.

In a two person startup, if the founders decide to do something and they are the people executing on that decision, the task is very likely to get done fast and in full. If a non-profit board decides to do something, not so much.

[zachlatta]

Usually the Executive Director is making decisions for the organization, not the board. They are getting approval on their high-level strategy and budget from the board, but all of the day-to-day decisions lie with them.