Questions to Ask Before You Join a Board

Questions to Ask Before You Join a Board

Ten years ago, I received a call asking, “Would you be interested in joining our board?” It would have been helpful to have a list of questions to ask current board members and the executive director before I began this journey.

I didn’t ask to be considered for the board; I wasn’t looking to join one. I don’t know if the executive director knew exactly who she would be getting by asking, or why the current board thought I would be a good fit.

Looking back, I wonder if I would still be invited. We're all ten years older; ten years the wiser (at least I prefer to think I am; this is where I open myself up to wisecracks from my closest friends). But am I the ideal board member? Now that we’re all wiser and I’m exiting the board, whom should we be looking for to replace me and ensure the organization's future success?

Whom should you be looking for, and how do you find board members who will guide your organization to success? What qualities and characteristics should you look for in an ideal board member?

The Chief Operating Officer's Perspective

Zubin Segal, Chief Operations Officer of the Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations, notes

“We are actively looking to recruit board members that are reflective of the Texas nonprofit sector. Some descriptive words that come to mind: tech-savvy, diverse (in culture, professional background, age, and vision); flexible, and visionary.

The Designer’s Perspective

These last ten years of service have been an exceptional experience for me. Why, I wonder, has it been so positive?

“The members of the boards I serve on embody character and leadership qualities that put the organization's interests ahead of their own as advocates and ambassadors. I find they model servant leadership, value relationships, and have a technical awareness within their own sphere of expertise and as it relates to advancing the mission of the organization.”

Considering Your Own Perspective 

If you’re serious about joining a board, you’ll want to because you can make a difference, not because it will look good on your resumé.

  • Ask yourself “What will be expected of me?” Read the board handbook and policies available. Talk with current board members to understand what their experience has been.
  • Ask yourself “How much will I have to give?” According to Janna Finch,researcher with Software Advice, one factor that can contribute to a negative board experience is a member's misunderstanding about financial expectations. "It's best to be clear up front about the “give” and “get;” the“give” being how much a member is expected to personally contribute to the organization; and the “get” being how much they are expected to raise for it.” 
  • Ask the board chair and executive director “What are my legal and fiduciary responsibilties?” and “Does the organization carry Director's and Officer's insurance?” (D&O Insurance — The answer should be yes). You'll need to be fully aware of these important responsibilities you carry as a board member.
  • Ask, “What technology empowers the board and makes it easier to serve?” High-performing boards of directors stay connected with the organization and one another through platforms that keep their communications focused and their resources in one place. A board management solution of choice for nonprofit organizations is Cureo, a resource for collaboration with board members, committees, partners, and volunteers.

For additional reading:

What's your board experience been like? Has it changed your life? Has it had impact on others and the cause you support?

This article is excerpted from “What You Should Know Before Joining A NonProfit Board?” at aespire.com.

Adrienne Tom

OOO until April 8 // 31X Award-Winning Executive Resume Writer for Executives (CXO / C-Suite), VPs, and Directors. ⚜ LinkedIn Branding ⚜ Executive Resumes ⚜ Board Resumes ⚜ LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers

8y

Excellent insights to consider when approached for board involvement.

Marion Spears Karr, FACHE

Managing Partner & Founder of In-FLOW Executives: An executive search & leadership solutions company. “More than a Search Firm...A Solutions Firm.” #healthcare #digitalhealth #executivesearch Top 1% LinkedIn in Industry

8y

Thanks for sharing this Amy!

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Excellent advice. Simply because you're asked to serve on a board doesn't mean you and the board will work together. More than passion, talent to work with and through people is needed. Great ideas and causes fail because of poor communication and understanding.

Jack Jordan

Impassioned sales executive seeking new opportunities and customers to wow

8y

While all the points made are valid, I believe there is one point that is even more paramount to all listed. And that is; Do you have a passion for cause the board represents? While I am and have been committed to many things and with that will get the job done however when I am passionate about the cause, my commitment, our commitment and involvement, goes beyond the expectations of duty. I'd dare say, unless the candidate is passionate for the cause, regardless of how good at "business" they might be then they are not the right fit.

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Very good article! Make sure you have the time & energy to serve in a meaningful capacity. Also do your research on the past performance/history of the perspective board. Finally, remember that you are one part of the collective group. Change can be a slow process. Most non-profits have a fund raising element. If you are not willing to help raise money for the program, you will probably not enjoy the experience.

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