Once upon a time when I was new to the world of leadership and board development I did a very bad thing. I asked people to be on a board. I asked people who had resources, knowledge, good hearts and great ability to get things done. These very good and well meaning people signed up no questions asked to be on my board.
I gave them no expectations and asked them to set none. Soon they were busy, unable to come to meetings, they were not able to complete the work the board needed to do, they showed up for report outs, and they didn’t know what was going on, but they voted. They did exactly what I asked them to do but did not do what a board was supposed to do. They were awesome, incredibly great people, and I wasted their talents and expertise by not setting them up for success. They were on the board, and my organization missed an incredible opportunity to grow at the rate of their talents and gifts.
Board members are essential to the success of any organization. They are responsible for setting the organization’s strategy, overseeing its operations, and ensuring that it fulfills its mission. However, sometimes, board members who are not vetted for the tasks required to govern and support an organization may lack interest or engagement, which can have serious consequences for the organization.
Lack of interest or engagement can manifest in several ways. For example, board members may miss meetings or arrive unprepared. They may fail to ask questions or contribute to discussions, or they may not participate in committee work. All of these actions can create problems for the organization, such as:
- Missed opportunities: Board members who lack interest or engagement may miss out on important information or opportunities that could benefit the organization. For example, they may not be aware of new technologies or trends that could improve the organization’s operations or fundraising efforts.
- Poor decision-making: Board members who are not engaged may not fully understand the organization’s goals or the implications of their decisions. This can lead to poor decision-making, which can harm the organization’s reputation or financial health.
- Lack of accountability: Board members who are not engaged may not feel accountable for their actions or decisions. This can create a culture of complacency or apathy, where board members are not held responsible for their roles in the organization’s success or failure.
- Demotivation of other board members and staff: A lack of interest or engagement from one or more board members can demotivate others on the board or staff. It can create a sense that their efforts are not valued or appreciated, which can lead to decreased morale and productivity.
It is not all doom and gloom, my friends. My big fat mistake can be your greatest triumph by implementing the following tactics:
- Set Clear Expectations: Organizations should establish clear expectations for board members, including attendance at meetings, committee work, and fundraising efforts. They should also communicate the organization’s mission and goals, so that board members understand the impact of their work.
- Train Your Board Members: Organizations should provide training and support to board members so that they understand their roles and responsibilities. This can include training on fundraising, governance, and strategic planning.
- Communication Extensively: Organizations should communicate regularly with board members, providing updates on the organization’s activities and challenges. This can help to keep board members engaged and invested in the organization’s success.
- Co-Create Accountability: Organizations should hold board members accountable for their actions and decisions. This can include regular evaluations, setting clear goals and objectives, and recognizing and rewarding board members who demonstrate exceptional commitment and engagement.
In conclusion, if you don’t set your boards up for success, they will build a lack of interest or engagement which will manifest into serious consequences for your organization. To ensure the success of the organization, it is important for all board members to be engaged and committed to their roles. Organizations can ensure that their boards are effective and impactful by setting clear expectations, providing training and support, communicating regularly, and holding board members accountable.
What conversations does your board need to have to establish clear expectations, training opportunities, effective communication, and accountability?
What would clear expectations, training opportunities, effective communication, and accountability feel like in your organization?
What would it mean to your board and your organization to have clear expectations, training, effective communication, and accountability?
What are you going to do to make sure your board is prepared to govern your organization?
If you don’t know, reach out let’s talk. You can take steps to get your board ready to be the best one for their benefit and your organization.
