A board member with a great reputation is one who brings energy, expertise and enthusiasm to the board. They are aware of their responsibilities and are able to set direction to meet the organization’s business goals and legal duties. They are familiar with the organization’s culture, operations as well as its vision, mission, and values. They are also well-versed in the responsibilities and roles of the board and the guidelines for good governance.
It’s crucial that a great member of the board is willing to challenge and challenge major decisions. Often, this is done by asking questions or issues that are designed to help the CEO see problems they might not have identified or think about the future beyond where the CEO might be looking or help to open a new perspective. A good board member will be able to do this in a respectful manner without coming off as personally offensive or intimidating.
The best boards are populated by board members who share the organization’s mission and inspire others to join in their service. They are also able to communicate effectively and take decisions quickly. It is also important that a great board member be prepared for every board meeting and other events. It is essential to arrive at the meeting with the agenda, documents of the committee and board reports.
It’s not just knowledge, experience, or education which makes a good member of a board. It is also about the attitude. The best board members always think about how their actions benefit the association as well as the other board members. They avoid personalizing debate and seek to resolve conflicts and can offer solutions that can bring together the opposing sides of a problem.
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