Ep. 6 Be Kind – Unicorns Have Feelings Too

Respect isn’t optional. It’s the glue that holds your board together.

Hi again, board champions. It’s your pink Canadian unicorn, BoardSpace Bill, with another tip that might just be the most important one yet.

We’ve talked about agendas, minutes, action items, and staying on track. But none of that works unless your board builds something deeper: a culture of kindness.

The Heart of a Good Board

Behind every bylaw, budget, and board report are people.
Volunteers, directors, staff, neighbours. Some with decades of experience. Some brand new. Some confident. Some hesitant.

A great boardroom isn’t just efficient. It’s respectful, thoughtful, and open to everyone.

That means:

• Letting people speak without interruption

• Listening with real interest

• Disagreeing with ideas, not people

• Leaving sarcasm and eye-rolls at the door

Unicorns may be magical, but we’re also sensitive. So are the humans on your board.

Bill’s Rules for a Kinder Boardroom

1. Let Everyone Speak
That quiet person in the corner? They may have a brilliant idea—if given space to share it.
Chairs should invite all voices in, not just the loudest.

2. Listen Like You Mean It
Don’t just wait for your turn to talk. Show you’re listening.
Nod. Reflect. Don’t interrupt. A well-run board is a listening board.

3. Disagree Without Drama
You can challenge a proposal without turning it into a showdown.
Try: “I see it differently because…” or “Could we look at it this way?”
Debate ideas, not personalities.

4. Skip the Side Comments
Snide remarks, eye-rolls, and whispers erode trust faster than you can say “adjourn.”
Treat every idea and every person with respect.

5. Refocus on Mission When Needed
If tensions rise, bring the group back to purpose:
“What’s best for our members, our organization, or our community?”
Kindness starts with shared goals.

Build Kindness Into Your Culture

Kindness isn’t accidental—it’s built in. Try this:

• Start meetings with a quick “what we appreciate” check-in

• Thank someone for their work each meeting

• Celebrate small wins

• Rotate who leads discussions or introduces agenda items

• Use tools like BoardSpace to keep things organized and reduce stress

When people feel safe, respected, and heard, they speak up—and that’s when boards do their best work.

Final Thought from Bill

Governance is serious business. But that doesn’t mean it has to be cold.
A kind board is a strong board. A strong board makes better decisions.
And better decisions make for a better world.

So be kind. Be curious. And never forget: even unicorns need a little grace now and then.