When was the last time you reviewed the success of your board members? Do your board members have a clear understanding of what their roles and responsibilities are to the organization? Do current board members assist or hinder the progress of your mission?
These are just a few of the tough questions leadership must address as they face today’s funding challenges. How many of your board members have written guidelines of their roles and responsibilities to the organization? Are your board members held accountable for their responsibilities? If not, why are they less accountable than staff? Their role is critical to opening doors to funding opportunities for the organization. Most staff and some leadership do not have these prospects in their personal contacts.
If your organization has guidelines, when was the last time you reviewed them with the entire board, not just new members? Leadership should review annually (at a minimum) their expectations of the board and that year’s goals. Ideally, the board should review their goals quarterly to determine if they are on track. If it appears that the goals are not being met, then a discussion should take place as to answer the question, "Why?"
An annual review of the responsibilities also gives a board member the opportunity to decide whether they can meet the expectations of the organization. This is helpful to members who do not know how to step down from a commitment or don’t want to let the organization down.
If your organization does not have written board roles and responsibilities, this should become a priority. Your board may not be clear on what is expected of them. The people they approach on your behalf may also be unclear of their role to the organization. Help them help you!
Board members are individuals who love your mission. They want to share their talents and resources to ensure continued growth of your organization. Don’t let them down by not giving them clear direction and your support.
-Gail
No comments:
Post a Comment