5 Steps To Strengthening Your Nonprofit Board
| Posted in Management on Dec 18, 2010 by |
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It is hard to find someone who thinks their board is the best it can be. When asked, there is usually a long list of desired improvements. Here is a way for you to make those improvements.
No one becomes the best he or she without coaching. We all receive coaching along the way. Who is coaching your board members?
Here is a systematic process for training your board members.
1. Encourage the board chair to create a board development committee
2. Encourage the board chair to define the development needs of each board member
3. Encourage the board chair to think about the changes that would have the greatest benefit to your organization (more thought leaders, innovative ideas, problem solvers, strategic thinkers, financial skills, etc.)
4. Help the board chair decide which improvements belong at the top of the list for each board member and remember to consider what is best for your organization and the individual’s board and professional careers
5. Encourage the board chair to share the list with the board development committee and help them develop the necessary programming
The benefits of the approach will outweigh the time and effort you put into it. As the development committee does it's work, there will be an increase in board engagement, a growing donor base, increasing donor generosity, increased sustainability, as well as better financial performance.
When we engage in the development of people, progress is slow. However, with patience and perseverance great things do happen.
Next Step:- Develop a list of the benefits that will flow to the organization both short-term and long-term from taking the preceding five steps
- Set a goal for having visible and measurable changes
- Systematically work your way through the preceding five steps
- Repeat the preceding steps after every board election
We all know that the board is one of the more important components of organizational sustainability. Having a systematic process for training and strengthening the board ensures that the board is always well prepared to lend a hand with sustainability.
Don and his partners started Mission Enablers in 2001 to help nonprofits increase their capacity to serve those in need. Mission Enablers is one of several successful businesses that Don has started. He has also served on a variety of for-profit and nonprofit boards. His primary focus today is helping schools (private, parochial, Christian, and faith-based schools) increase enrollment, develop strong leadership teams, improve their governance, and increase their fundraising effectiveness.
Tags:
Nonprofits Nonprofit Organizations Board Development Board Training
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