The Nonprofit Board: You Get Out What You Put In
| Posted in Management on Nov 24, 2010 by |
4 Comments |
Most nonprofits wish their boards were more effective. The old adage, "You get out what you put in" seems to apply to this situation. If we invest more energy in the board, it will produce more.
Our employers know that if they invest in our careers our productivity will improve. They train us. They give us annual reviews. They encourage us. They promote us. They listen to us. They ask us about our ambitions and desires.
Now think about your board members. What has the investment been in each board member? Have any board members received training, an annual review, encouragement, or promotions? Have they been asked to provide their input concerning how to improve the board and its function? Has anyone asked them about their ambition, desires, or expectations?
Let us think about the adage again. You have received a lot from your board. How much have you invested based upon the preceding questions? Many of our clients tell us they have invested very little but in comparative terms, they have received a lot.
It makes you wonder how much is possible if you increase your investment in the board.
Boards are staffed the same way our employer’s staff their positions. Someone in leadership believes that the person is right for the job. Usually, this implies the person has the experience, intellect, and the passion.
Once in awhile a suboptimal hiring decision is made. However, most the time employees fail because of a lack of good management. The job was never explained properly (poor training).
From our experience, it is rare for a board to provide its members with job descriptions, annual expectations, and orientation.
Next Step:- Build a process that treats each board member, as you would like to be treated in your professional life
- Model your process after the process used by one of the best professional firms in your areas (law firm, accounting firm, engineering firm, consulting firm, etc.)
- Create a structured process for evaluating board performance (individuals and the group)
- Help each of your board members advance their career as volunteer leaders
If you take those steps, people will want to serve on your board. Your board members will be some of the more sought after leadership volunteers in the community. Your organization will operate at a significantly higher level of sustainability. Board engagement might exceed your expectations.
When you think about it, having an exceptional board is easy. It is work, the tasks are simple, and there are good models that one can copy. Of course, if you need help with this, there is always help available.
Is it worth your effort to treat your board members as highly valued professionals?
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:
Nonprofit Board Member Volunteers Volunteerism Professional Development
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