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Board Member Roles, Responsibilities and Expectations – Getting the Most From Your Board

Board Member Roles, Responsibilities and Expectations – Getting the Most From Your Board. South Dakota Nonprofit Enhancement Project July, 2009. Introduction. To get the best from a board -- REMEMBER

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Board Member Roles, Responsibilities and Expectations – Getting the Most From Your Board

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  1. Board Member Roles, Responsibilities and Expectations – Getting the Most From Your Board South Dakota Nonprofit Enhancement Project July, 2009

  2. Introduction To get the best from a board -- REMEMBER • Boards are in perpetual motion -- the work of building and delivering excellence is never done • Take the board from where they are – strong boards are developed over time • Investment is necessary – time, tools, and talent must be delivered to the board to prepare them to provide leadership • Organize the work of the board -- board must have meaningful work to stay strong • Build while times are good – the time to build strength on the board is BEFORE you have a governance challenge

  3. In the end, Boards need only two things to be successful: A dose of the passion…. and Meaningful work. Hildy Gottlieb

  4. Step 1 -- Identify • Resist rounding up “the usual suspects” for board service • Be honest in assessment of the current board • Know the profile of talents and experience you need – before naming names • Articulate the personal characteristics you desire in board members • Commit to year-around attention to board recruitment • Know where you are going as an organization

  5. Step 2 -- Cultivate • The board – not the Exec. Dir. – builds the board • Have a “date” first – Don’t jump to the ask before asking important questions • Look to people who are connected to your cause • Keep true to the profile(s) you have collectively developed • Keep all board members and the ED informed at each step of the cultivation process

  6. Step 3 -- Recruit • Clearly inform prospects of why they are being considered for board service • Explain expectations about service – be truthful • Invite questions – seek opportunities to learn more about the candidates readiness as you go engage in conversation • Timing is important – who, when, and how the ask is delivered will impact success

  7. Step 4 -- Orient • Give a dose of the passion -- mission, history, programs, issues, finances, facilities, etc. • Describe committees • Define board member expectations and responsibilities • Give a clear picture of staffing and how the work is done

  8. Step 5 -- Involve • Get everyone involved – make sure all board members understand their opportunities, roles, and responsibilities • Cultivate relationships with ALL board members • Discover interests and abilities of each member – make assignments accordingly • Assign a board “mentor” or “buddy” • Solicit feedback • Hold everyone accountable • Express appreciation for work well done

  9. Step 6 -- Educate • Provide information on mission and mission fulfillment • Encourage exploration of issues facing the organization • Encourage board development • Schedule board retreats and other venues to build internal board relationships • Budget for board training – including sending board members to external training

  10. Step 7 -- Evaluate • Establish a board structure responsible for board function (governance) • Complete at least annual whole-board assessment • Complete at least annual individual board member assessments • Set board performance goals – measure accomplishments

  11. The lack of accountability paves the way to mediocrity. Thomas Connellan, PhD

  12. Step 8 -- Rotate • Establish term limits • Do not automatically elect members to additional terms • Have and use an “exit policy” for non-performing members • Set succession paths for leadership – goal to be setting projected leadership two-three years out • Develop leadership with a training program for leaders

  13. Step 9 Celebrate • Recognize victories • Recognize commitment to external board education • Acknowledge individual accomplishments of board members • Make room for fun and humor • Have ceremonies – make them a part of the culture

  14. Bringing out the best in others requires we reinforce improvements, even if they’re not ‘there’ yet. Thomas Connellan, PhD

  15. Conclusion • Get the tools you need • The Board Building Cycle, BoardSource, 2007. • Getting the Best From Your Board, An Executive’s Guide to a Successful Partnership, BoardSource, 2007. • Establish a structure within the board to monitor itself (Governance Committee). • Build and maintain strong communications within the board. • Be diligent about supporting the board through training, tools, policies, and processes.

  16. Thank You! 818 S. Hawthorne Avenue Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104-4537 (605) 336-0244 or (888) 4-SUMPTION www.sumptionandwyland.com

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