Recently, an entrepreneur contacted me to define the characteristics of a top board. The best boards require board members with a vast network in the industry as well as a deep understanding of the particular issue or challenge and strong connections to the finance community. These qualities are crucial however they aren’t the only ones. A love for the cause, the capacity to listen, speak with humility and the ability to go above and beyond are essential to ensure that the board can function at its highest.
A great board of nonprofits is enthusiastic about its purpose and displays that passion in their actions. The board member is dedicated to helping the people they serve, whether that’s participating in fundraiser walks as well as volunteering at events or lobbying city legislators. This trait cannot be taught, and it is a trait that can be the difference between a successful or unsuccessful an organization.
It is important to have good judgment when serving on a board. This is especially important for governance see this site in nonprofits. A board with a poor record (whether it’s with hiring and firing, or M&A transactions) will be doing the organization an injustice. Good judgment requires experience, and it usually comes from lots of tough decisions, some blunders and a lot of knowledge.
The final thing I consider a prerequisite for a successful board member is a sense of the importance of collaboration. No matter if it’s at the board meeting, a dinner for fundraising, or any other setting, the best members realize that their success as board members depends on cooperation, and they take the time to build coalitions with their fellow board members.
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