Good board members do exist. You may have several on your board now or you may be a good board member yourself. However, when you’re filling open slots on your board, what qualities are you looking for? It really depends on the resources you already have available on your board, but there are a few things we think every nonprofit board member should have:
An inquisitive attitude. Good board members ask questions. They’re not afraid to ask really hard questions that make staff and other board members stop and think about consequences, strategy and efficiency. Effective board members want to learn about what’s going on in the organization, the community and other organizations with which the organization collaborates, competes or impacts. They know that good decision-making requires knowledge and open-mindedness. They don’t jump to conclusions or make assumptions – they ask why and listen carefully.
A passion for your organization’s mission. You may find someone with a big heart, brains and every other desirable quality, but if they don’t feel strongly about the mission, they likely won’t be a good fit. If your organization focuses on animal rescue and one of your board members can’t get past the importance of raising awareness about pit-bull ownership, they probably won’t be able to participate in decision-making and strategy sessions as well as board members who have an appreciation for the full mission. Other organizations exist for the pit-bull lover, it just might not be yours. New ideas can be great for an organization, but not if they keep tugging the organization in a direction that none of the other board members want to go.
A desire to be part of a team. The board makes decisions, not individual board members. Good board members know that they are one piece of the governance and oversight of the organization, and that they alone should not attempt to control. Nonprofits have boards made up of several people for a reason – the decisions must reflect the needs of the community rather than the opinions of one person. Board decisions should be made as a board, following the procedures outlined in the bylaws. Attempts by board members to control decisions could jeopardize the exempt status of the organization and upset other board members. Ask potential board members how they interact on teams and what they’re accomplished with teams in the past.
A volunteer mindset. Nonprofit board members typically aren’t paid, but they have an important job. Some people can’t get past the attitude that they don’t need to commit since they aren’t being paid – they’ll come to meetings and maybe a fundraising event, but are reluctant to do much beyond that. Good board members join committees willingly and actively participate without asking “what’s in it for me?” They understand their limits on time commitment and don’t accept board positions in which they can’t meaningfully contribute. Be sure potential board members understand the time commitments and expectations of serving on your board.
Every organization has different board needs, but whether you require a working board, a well-connected board or some combination, the qualities above will benefit any organization. We recommend asking questions of board members and their references to figure out if they have these qualities before voting them onto your board.
