Do you ever wonder why some boards are a valued asset for the organization, while others are just a giant headache? I have been thinking about this a lot recently, and I thought I’d share some reflections on good and effective boards.
To begin, great board governance is a ‘team sport’. Effective boards work collegially. While listening to and considering minority opinions, the board finds a way to come to a decision together. When the board finally speaks, it is as a unified entity.
Yet for that unified entity to be truly effective, I find that there are some priorities its individual members must uphold. I see that – for the most effective boards – each member:
- Deeply understands the organization’s mission and vision, and can engagingly communicate the significance of that mission to constituents, community members, and supporters
- Builds and maintains a supportive, active relationship with the organization’s CEO
- Proactively (and early in each fiscal year) makes an annual donation and supports larger campaign projects
- Focuses on policy making, planning, and the long-term strategic needs of the organization and – while staying up to date on day-to-day details – does not meddle in operational work
- Has a learning mind-set, always seeking to know more about the organization’s programs, as well as current best practices in nonprofit governance
- Understands the financial position of the organization and works to obtain resources for the non-profit
- Welcomes new or contrary viewpoints and can evaluate them in light of the organization’s strategic plan and mission
- Ensures that the board make-up reflects the current needs of the organization
- Demonstrates and fosters legal and ethical integrity in collegial governance and in personal actions
- Knows when it’s time to step off of the board in order to make room for new members
Not everyone is suited for work as a non-profit board member. But for those who want to work on a mission-focused team, build strategy, and secure the future of an organization, board service can be both personally challenging and deeply rewarding.
And if you’re looking for ways to build a more effective board, I hope this list is inspiring. I’ll also direct you to a previous post on Building a Better Board.
Onward!
