Abstaining Is Not Leadership

By Jim Johnson, IOM, CCE on behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Organization Management

Abstaining from a vote has its place.

If there is a conflict of interest, a financial connection, a personal relationship, or another reason you cannot fairly participate, then abstaining is not only appropriate, it is responsible. That kind of abstention protects the integrity of the organization and the decision-making process.

But abstaining because a vote is hard, uncomfortable, or might make someone unhappy is different.

That is not neutrality. That is avoidance.

In nonprofits, chambers and associations, board members are not elected, appointed or selected simply to attend meetings and nod along during reports. They are there to help guide the organization. That means asking questions, listening to staff, understanding the mission, reviewing the facts, and making decisions.

In other words, voting.

Let’s be honest. Every board has had a moment when the room gets quiet, the issue gets a little uncomfortable, and everyone suddenly becomes very interested in the packet in front of them. Maybe it is a budget decision. Maybe it is an advocacy position. Maybe it is a policy change, a membership issue or a strategic direction that will not make everyone happy.

That is where leadership shows up.

A yes vote says, “I support this direction.”

A no vote says, “I do not believe this is the right direction.”

Both are valid. Both are part of good governance. Both tell the members, stakeholders, donors, partners and staff where leadership stands.

An abstention without a real conflict says something too. It says, “I was present, but I chose not to be counted.” The same can be said for skipping a meeting because a difficult vote is on the agenda. Everyone misses meetings from time to time but choosing not to show up because you do not want to go on record is just another way of avoiding the vote. It may feel safer in the moment, but it puts the weight of leadership on everyone else in the room.

And that is not how strong boards are built.

Nonprofits, chambers, and associations rely on trust. Members trust that their board is making thoughtful decisions. Staff trust that the board will provide direction. The community trusts that leaders will act in the best interest of the organization, even when the decision is not easy.

That does not mean every vote will be perfect. It does not mean everyone will agree. It does not even mean you will always be on the winning side.

But it does mean you showed up fully.

Abstaining should be used when participation would be inappropriate, not when accountability feels uncomfortable. Leadership is not about avoiding the record. It is about being willing to stand on it.

So ask the questions. Read the material. Listen to the discussion. Consider the mission.

Then vote.

Yes or no.

Because being present is not the same as leading.

Jim Johnson, IOM, CCE, is president & CEO of the Pearland Chamber of Commerce (Texas), a faculty member for the U.S. Chamber's Institute program, and a leader recognized for his data-driven approach and award-winning chamber work across Texas.

This article is brought to you by Institute for Organization Management (IOM), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s professional development program for nonprofit executives. Learn about IOM.