The selection of the ideal board member is a crucial element in establishing your business structure. The board of directors is the face of your business and the decisions of the directors could have a major impact on what you do. If a board is hard to reach, isn’t attending meetings or is not in alignment with your values or the rest of the board it could be time to be replaced.
A good board member shares the mission of your organization. Having passion for the issues your organization tackles will keep them dedicated to serving long after the initial excitement of being an elected board member has worn off. They should also have some degree of organizational or business expertise and an understanding of the rules of good business practice.
Your board should be comprised of people who are different in age, ethnicity, skills and experience. This will give your board diversity and the ability to present different perspectives to your leadership. Board members should be able to challenge assumptions and play the role of the devil’s attorney, even if their opinions are built on their own personal experiences.
Ask prospective board members to provide you with the amount of time they are willing to commit to the work of your board and the work Bonuses of its committees. Many people who are interested in joining a board do not realize the commitment required to take on the role. During the process of vetting, it is important to uncover any other commitments that may interfere with their ability to serve on your board.