What Makes a Great Board Member?
Recently, an entrepreneur asked me to outline the characteristics of a successful board. In essence, great boards require members with a vast network in the industry, extensive experience with a particular issue problem as well as strong connections to the finance community. While these attributes are essential however, the following characteristics are often overlooked when searching for a good board member – a dedication to the cause, the ability to listen and speak with respect and a willingness to go above and beyond – are also crucial to ensure that a board performs in its most efficient manner.
A good nonprofit board is enthusiastic about its purpose and shows this passion in their actions. Whether that means participating in fundraising walks or volunteering at events or taking steps to lobby city legislators the board member is dedicated to helping those individuals they serve. This is a characteristic that cannot be taught and can either make or break an organization.
A good judgment is a prerequisite for serving on any board but it is more important in nonprofit governance. A board with an egregious record of poor judgment (whether in approving strategies, hiring and firing, or M&A transactions) is doing the organization an injustice. Good judgment requires a lot of wisdom, and it usually comes from lots of tough decisions, a few failures, and a great deal of intelligence.
The final characteristic that I believe is essential for a successful board member is an awareness of the importance of cooperation. In a board meeting, a dinner for fundraisers, or in any other setting, the best members understand that their success as board members is contingent on cooperation and taking the time to form alliances with their fellow board members.
