Nonprofit boards must adopt strong governance and financial management policies, and maintain close ties with the executive director to ensure that the organisation is running efficiently and stay focused on the purpose. However, in the midst of day-to-day operations as well as the chaos of fundraising, it can be easy for an organization’s board to forget its purpose and become bogged down in the tactical details.
Certain elements can make a non-profit board more efficient and this starts with an effective recruitment and nominating process. Anyone who picks new members should seek out candidates with the right mix of skill sets and professional experience. They should also establish specific expectations and conduct a thorough selection process to narrow the number of applicants who are qualified.
In addition to ensuring that there aren’t any conflicts of interest it is essential that the committee seeking nominations seeks diversity in race, gender and wealth, profession working style, expertise and political philosophies to avoid myopia and groupthink within the members of the governing body. Involving those directly affected by the social issue that the organization is trying to address, such as homeless people on the board of a shelter for the homeless, can improve the performance of a board.
Meetings are crucial for a board of directors to discuss and collaborate on the organization’s strategic moves. However, if you observe a board member on their phones, texting friends, or drawing in the middle of a meeting, it can be discouraging to those involved. The right tools can be used to get members engaged, lessen stress and improve performance.