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ARE YOU
READY TO JOIN?
NEARLY EVERY SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSPERSON WILL, AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER,
BE ASKED TO JOIN AN OUTSIDE ORGANIZATION. IT MAY BE A NON PROFIT,
CIVIC OR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION THAT WORKS FOR THE GREATER GOOD, OR
POSSIBLY A FORTUNE 500 COMPANY LOOKING FOR GREATER SUCCESS.
Not everyone who is
invited, however, should leap to serve. While it is flattering to be
asked, it is also important to be certain that the board whose
membership you are considering is a good match for your interests
and level of commitment. Board membership is more than just a vanity
position for executives or a way to display an organization’s
“trophy” supporters, it also carries inherent obligations. Board
membership is about effective decision-making. It doesn’t matter
whether you are considering a position to provide governance for a
small non-profit group or for a large multi-national corporation,
accepting a board position implies and demands acceptance of
responsibilities, behaviors and accountability to an organization
and its varied stakeholders. These are serious issues that require
serious commitment. Are you ready to make that commitment?
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Before you do anything else, learn. Learn everything you can about
the organization and its board. Start with the practical issues: How
often do they meet? For how long and where do meetings take place?
What is the format of the meeting? How formal is the conduct of the
board? Next, obtain a definition of your role: How is the work of
the board done? How are committees used? Will you be expected to
serve on these committees? Do you understand the relationship
between management and board members? Is the management team
accountable to the board? What is expected of you? Are you required
to assist with fundraising efforts? For instance, there is
tremendous difference between serving on your local Chamber of
Commerce and being a member of the board of a large public company.
Don’t be afraid to ask
questions about financial issues. Find out what kinds of materials
are available to you. Ask for audits and financial statements,
review the minutes and materials from prior meetings, read the
bylaws and annual reports. Apply the same due diligence and care to
this decision that you would to making a decision in your own
business.
Governing boards, no
matter the size of the organization, need to act as a team to be
effective. While this sounds like an obvious concept, knowing the
individual personalities involved is just as important as
understanding the issues. Speaking to current board members is a
good place to start. Ask them questions. Find out: What is the
overall feeling of the board? Which are the key issues? How well
does the board function with management? What is really expected of
you? What are the main roadblocks to success? Who are the primary
players?
Understanding the
stakeholders is vital. Who are they? Are you dealing with investors?
Employees? Organization members? Whole communities? Local
government? What is their level of involvement? Sit down with your
contact and discover all you can. Know what’s going on before you
make a commitment.
YOU’RE IN!
Congratulations! You are now a board member. Understanding your role
will ultimately determine how successful you are as a board member.
Your first job is to listen. Listen to everyone – to board members,
to staff, to stakeholders. The total is greater than the sum of the
parts – you are a part of a team, all working with the same
objective to share your skills and talents to best serve the
organization. One of the most important attributes of any board
member is respect: respect for the board, respect for board members,
respect for the organization. You can show respect by coming to
meetings prepared, being courteous to fellow members and not
monopolizing time. Time is short, and everyone cannot be heard on
every issue. It really is quality, not quantity that counts.
It is your experience
and knowledge that made you a desirable board candidate. Now, as a
board member, you need to apply those abilities to your service. At
times, it may be necessary to challenge the status quo, new
strategies and plans, or other board members. Challenge is a
necessary part of growth for any organization or company. It may not
be easy, but it is your duty to act in what you see as the best
interests of the organization. There are appropriate times and
forums for voicing objections. Your best opportunity for challenge
may occur outside of the formal structure of a meeting.
It is always difficult
to balance the need for input from a diverse group and the necessity
of obtaining a consensus in order to move forward. There is
tremendous value in frank and honest discussion, but the parameters
for such discussions should be clear: these are not personal issues;
they are issues of importance to the organization. Be objective; be
focused; be respectful of the views of others. In the end, the
entire board is responsible and accountable for the decisions that
are made.
GETTING RESULTS
One of the single most important mandates of any board member is
success, however that is defined by the organization or corporate
entity. It is the board, not just management, which gives direction
to an organization. More and more, boards and board members are
taking an active role in strategy, direction and policy-making for
the entities they serve. Focusing on decisions and actions that are
in keeping with the philosophy and goals of the organization are
paramount. How do you determine the path to success? Think long
term; think past your tenure on the board. Make every decision an
important one. Do your job as a board member – don’t neglect your
role, or fail to give the proper importance to your duties. Stay on
target. Accept responsibility for your decisions, without dwelling
on the failures – learn from them. Inspire action and dedication in
your fellow board members. You can be an example to others.
Board membership
is a valuable way to share your expertise and experience with the
community or other organizations. Participation on a board can
broaden your exposure to ideas and business practices, contribute to
the community or special interest group, stretch your mind, or
increase your income. Remain focused and on task, and
the opportunities for you
will be rewarding. |
