Podcast Summary: BNI & The Power of One

Episode: BNI 869: Who Decides on Chapter Changes?
Host: Tim Roberts
Date: December 8, 2025

Episode Theme & Purpose

This episode addresses a frequently-asked and sometimes contentious question within BNI (Business Network International) chapters: Who gets to decide when significant changes—such as venue changes or meeting format adjustments—are made within a chapter? Host Tim Roberts provides clarity on BNI policy, shares best practices, and discusses strategies for obtaining member input while ensuring effective leadership.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. No Official BNI Policy—Best Practices Prevail

• [04:43] Tim clarifies there is no official BNI policy on how votes regarding chapter changes should be conducted. Instead, chapters should follow best practices, considering what works best for large groups or boards.
  • “Number one, there is no BNI policy on any of this. So it really is best practices.” – Tim Roberts [04:43]

2. The Challenges of Full Chapter Votes

• [05:08 – 06:02] Full chapter votes can be unwieldy due to too many opinions and logistical difficulties (establishing what constitutes a majority, etc.).
  • “There’s a lot of cooks in the kitchen and there’s a lot of opinions. And when you’re talking about big things like moving a meeting venue, you will not please everybody.” – Tim [05:08]
• Leadership teams, not just executive trios, are generally entrusted with these decisions.

3. Role of Leadership Team vs. Chapter Votes

• [05:24–06:02] The entire chapter leadership team (not just the president, VP, and secretary/treasurer) should make these decisions, as they offer a broader representation.
  • Leadership team includes committee chairs and coordinators, as well as executive leaders—often around 14 people rather than only three.

4. Gathering Input Before Major Changes

• [06:13–08:40] All members should be consulted for input, particularly for significant changes affecting everyone (e.g., meeting venue changes).

  • The best method is to request feedback via email or other controlled channels rather than at live meetings, which can devolve and waste time.

  • Leadership should present the reasoning and implications for any proposed change, list positives/negatives, and give a deadline for input.

    “If you have a strong opinion on this or feeling either way, we want to hear from you, please email me by the end of the day Friday...Your thoughts and opinions. Because they do matter in our discussion as a leadership team.” – Tim [08:11–08:21]

5. Decision-Making: What’s Best for the Chapter

• [08:40–09:47] The leadership team considers member feedback and ultimately makes their decision based on what is best for the chapter, not individuals.

  • Example: Upgrading to a bigger, more expensive venue may be unpopular with some but could be right for chapter growth and professionalism.

  • Role of environment and venue in chapter success is often underestimated.

    “The leadership team is tasked with making the decision that is the best for the chapter, not any individual.” – Tim [08:40]

6. Fundamental Changes Require Broader Vote

• [10:45–11:15] For foundational changes like switching from hybrid to in-person meetings, a full chapter vote is required, and Tim personally oversees such votes.

  • Requires a higher threshold (e.g., 65% approval) to ensure the change reflects the majority’s wishes, not just the leadership’s.

    “That’s a fundamental change, that one. We hold the vote. I don’t even let the leadership team on the vote. I personally hold the vote.” – Tim [10:45]

7. BNI Corporate’s Role

• [11:15–12:02] BNI global/regional directors approve venues but do not get involved in financial details, chapter bank accounts, or dues—those decisions are left to chapters and their leadership.

8. Policy/Behavioral Changes Handled by Leadership

• [12:47–14:22] Leadership teams set chapter standards (e.g., attendance, education programs) without putting every item to the full membership. Best practice is to educate members on any new expectations and phase in changes with ample notice.

  “Those things not up for chapter discussion, those things again, too many cooks in the kitchen...So you give plenty of leeway, that kind of stuff.” – Tim [13:47]

9. Final Recap: Transparency, Feedback, and Group Good

• [14:22–15:50] Leadership should be transparent, seek feedback on decisions that affect everyone, and act in the chapter’s collective interest—not personal agendas.
  • “The right leader should not be blindly making decisions on their own because it’s what they want and just telling you too bad it’s my decision...” – Tim [14:56]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Leadership and membership input:
  • “Each person’s individual opinion should be factored in when making that decision.” – Tim [15:50]
• On avoiding group chaos:
  • “You definitely don’t want full chapter discussions at the meeting on it because you don’t have enough time to do that anyway. And it just pulls away from everything...” – Tim [15:28]
• On balancing collective and individual views:
  • “You’ve gotta do what’s best for the group, not what’s best for any one individual, but each person’s individual opinion should be factored in...” – Tim [15:43]

Key Timestamps for Reference

• [04:43] No official BNI policy; best practices emphasized
• [05:08–06:02] Leadership team versus full chapter voting explained
• [06:13–08:40] How to gather and weigh member feedback before making decisions
• [08:40] Role of leadership in making final decisions
• [10:45–11:15] Chapter format changes and chapter-wide votes
• [12:47–14:22] Setting policies/expectations without broad votes
• [14:56] Leadership’s role is transparency and group benefit

Summary Takeaway

Tim Roberts stresses that while BNI encourages leadership teams to act in the chapter’s collective best interest, transparency and feedback from all members—especially when decisions impact everyone—are critical. Most decisions should be made by the full leadership team after soliciting member opinions, with fundamental changes like meeting formats requiring a full chapter vote. Above all, maintaining a culture of open communication, fairness, and prioritizing the group’s success leads to a healthier chapter dynamic.