Even though David Letterman hosted his last show almost 7 years ago, his Top 10 lists live on! So, here we go – The Top 10 Things to Look for when Recruiting New Board Members:
Are they …
#10 Financially Resourceful?
Donating time does not pay the bills. Many people who agree to serve on a board have the belief that giving their time is enough of a contribution to the organization. Good board members lead by example by supporting the organization with a financial donation.
Bottom Line – Put your money where your mouth is.
#9 Prepared?
Do your homework. A board member can only make the best decisions if there is familiarity with all the issues involved. Being informed is critical to making thoughtful decisions. It’s a board member’s duty to provide input and contribute effectively to discussions.
Bottom Line – Like a good Scout, be prepared.
#8 Creative and Innovative?
Many times, boards are stocked with educated professionals in similarly aligned fields. Unfortunately, a board created entirely of one type of professional may lack the creative skills to quickly solve problems in unconventional ways. A board member with creativity will inspire others to approach the organization’s mission in different ways.
Bottom Line – Left brain + right brain = Priceless
#7 Curious?
Good board members are knowledgeable about the organization and its culture, operations, mission, and vision, the roles and responsibilities of the board as well as the principles of good governance. Great board members have an insatiable desire to learn from their board colleagues.
Bottom Line – Curiosity doesn’t always kill the cat.
#6 Big Picture Thinker?
Finding board members that have a big-picture perspective keep the destination in sight. Focusing on the endgame also leads to better goal setting and improved time management.
Bottom Line – Holistic thinkers turn ideas into action.
#5 Community-Minded?
Board members who have strong connections to the community open doors to added opportunities and resources for the organization. New recruits and volunteers can be found in these networks which can build a pipeline of potential leaders.
Bottom Line – Be a good neighbor.
#4 Trustworthy?
What happens in the boardroom stays in the boardroom. Information shared in board meetings must be kept confidential. Board members must be trustworthy and should be able to always manifest discretion. Members should support the decision of the board when speaking on behalf of the organization.
Bottom Line – Loose lips sink ships.
#3 Born to serve?
Effective board members put their own egos aside for the best interests of the organization. Great board members not only do the right thing at the moment but also actively look for ways to steward the organization to success long after their board term is over.
Bottom Line – Service to others brings true happiness.
#2 Available?
Time is the number one commodity in our lives. One can possess all the qualities discussed above, but if they simply do not have time, then they need to decline.
Bottom Line – “No, not now” is fine.
…. AND the #1 thing to look for when recruiting new board members is … are they Passionate?
Finding people who are passionate about the organization’s cause should be the top priority when looking to fill board positions. Far too many people join organizations for self-serving reasons. While there is nothing fundamentally wrong with this, the fact remains that some people take on roles for which they have little passion.
Bottom line – Passion fuels action and is truly contagious.