As with any conflict, the solution is to get people talking and listening to one another. Doing so requires the board and executive director to come to an understanding of the issues at hand, and to design a series of conversations around the real issues. Depending on the nature of the root cause, one of the following approaches is likely to be helpful in resolving conflict.

1. Clarify board oversight roles and develop mechanisms that allow board members to fulfill those responsibilities

2. Talk together about where the organization is headed and the type of leadership required to move to the next phase

3. Agree on what the executive director will be held accountable for and how s/he will be evaluated

4. Manage interpersonal differences and conflict