Minding Your Business
Column by Kathy C. Yohalem - Strategist and senior business advisor for not-for-profits and many other industries.
Machiavelli (1532) said, "Take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things." We need to pay attention to our board and its individual members, and guide them on the "new order of things."
We all want enthusiastic, action-oriented board members who pay attention and get things done. But high-performing boards don't just happen. It takes time, clear focus, and careful strategies to get them there.
Here are 10 tips for creating a board that can deliver.
- Relate to their passion. - What do they care about? Open their hearts.
- It's all about the experience for the board member. - What are they contributing? Are they enjoying the experience?
- Make the meetings sparkle with enthusiasm - generate big-picture issue discussion. - How can you utilize each member's talents, skill sets, and passion for the cause?
- Are there social meetings scheduled to create collegiality & allow for networking? - Is there a social calendar in place?
- Are agendas focused with specific action items to address? - Focus, Focus, Focus, with clear priorities to the agenda.
- Focus on timelines & clarity on what needs to be done and by when. - Are timelines and direction clear?
- Focus on increase of reach for the cause. - Show them how to spread the word about your great work in the community(ies).
- Maintain an exciting vision with positive energy. - Keep it positive with clear vision.
- Keep them involved in your philanthropy budget - its focus & directives, and keep them focused on the organization's dollar needs.
- Have you thanked your board member? - Personally?
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