WHAT MAKES A GOOD BOARD MEMBER GREAT
According to Abigail Marsters, Search and Strategy Consultant
As a former founder, board chair and executive director, Abigail has worn every hat in the nonprofit sector. These days, when she’s not interviewing candidates, strategizing financial plans or baking flawless lemon cake cookies, Abigail enjoys applying her skills as a board facilitator. We asked her to share some of her recommendations for finding solid fits for the role of board member and here’s what she had to say:
BFFS
Abigail is a fervent believer in healthy workplace interactions, especially when it comes to the Board Chair and Executive Director. “They should have a very close and supportive relationship with each other,” she says, emphasizing how crucial it is for the entire governing body to share that sentiment. In order for a board to be effective, they must trust the executive director and their operating staff to do their jobs as they see fit. Micro-managers, helicopter bosses and control freaks need not apply.
Crystal Ball
It’s incredibly important for a board to believe in the potential of the organization, even if those goals feel out of reach. Abigail recalls founding a small foundation to support a local library that did not have much of an impact at the time of its inception. “It didn’t go anywhere,” Abigail recalls, “But I knew someday the library would need it. Years later, long after I had moved on, that foundation took off and was able to fund a brand new library building.” Visions are the first steps towards growth, so having big ideas and a fearless belief in the future will only benefit a board member's collaboration and contributions to the organization's vision and mission.
There’s no I in Team
Collaboration is another imperative aspect of any great board member. “Diversity of thought committed to the same mission,” is how Abigail puts it. While a variety of backgrounds, strengths and experiences are key, the vision and values of the organization must be at the forefront of everyone's mind in their board work. Fostering an understanding of how new policies, bylaw changes, and strategic plan tactics will affect the organization as a whole, not just individual members, is essential.
That’s My Cue
Joining a board is just as important as knowing when to leave one. Abigail recalls working with a particularly challenging board member who had, “grown more concerned with controlling the organization than helping it flourish.” This frame of mind is detrimental because it holds back progress and takes up a seat at the table for someone who wants to help the organization grow. “While a board member’s longevity can speak to their strong commitment to the mission, that isn’t necessarily true,” Abigail says. If you do decide to join a board, be sure to check in with yourself after a while. If at any point you’ve lost sight of the organization's mission, aren’t contributing in a healthy manner, or if you’re just ready for a change – it might be time to exit stage left.
Eyes on the Prize
“It sounds cheesy, but a board member really must have the desire to make the world a better place,” Abigail states. She recalls one particular board member, a mom of two young children with a full-time job. “Despite her full plate, she had this need to contribute,” Abigail explains. “A call. And that’s why she was a fantastic board member.” If that sounds like you, then a board is where you should be!
Ready to find YOUR perfect board match? Join us for CauseCupid LA!
CauseCupid is back in Los Angeles for a vibrant, in-person networking event designed to connect nonprofits with pre-screened professionals eager to serve on a nonprofit board.
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2024 | 5:30pm
Location: West Side of Los Angeles
Since 2015, CauseCupid matchmaking events have drawn hundreds of nonprofit partners and more than 1,000 board candidates, resulting in 500+ board placements across the United States—including Los Angeles, Orange County, Denver, New York, San Francisco, and Boston!
Learn more, and apply here: CauseCupid LA
How It Works:
- Free for BoardBuilding subscribers & board candidates
- Nonprofits must apply for consideration (fees apply if selected)
- We carefully curate matches to align with your organization’s mission & needs