The first time I was asked to serve on a board, I was so excited. I was new to Pittsburgh and thought serving would be an opportunity to establish myself in the community and meet people. Six months later, I was kicking myself and counting the days until my term expired.
It was a great cause — but not one I was passionate about. Everything felt like a chore rather than an opportunity to make a difference. In my eagerness to make connections and have a higher public profile, I failed to think strategically about the long-range implications for the organization and myself.
Since then, I have served on a wide array of corporate and nonprofit boards. Based on that experience, I want to share a list of questions I created to distinguish between the silk purses and sow’s ears of board opportunities.
Hopefully you will find these useful and will take from your own experience to add to the list:
1. Am I excited about the organization, its mission and vision?
Organizations need board members who are committed to their missions and willing to contribute with enthusiasm. If you don’t feel the passion, chances are you never will.
2. Do my values fit with the organization?
A great board member takes the time to understand the values of the organization and how they frame operations. Reaching out to other board members and exploring this question before nodding your head to service is essential.
Also, ask to see the value statement. As a board member, the organization’s identity will be your identity. You need to understand public positions that might be taken and the values being demonstrated.
3. Can I meet the boards expectations and commitments?
Your schedule and financial resources will determine your ability to serve well or badly. Consider such basics as location and time of board meetings. Also, ask whether you will be expected to be on a committee and what that involves.
Check out additional expectations such as an annual contribution, fundraising and sharing your important contacts. How would you react if the board chair asks you to buttonhole an influential colleague or friend for support? Being able to meet expectations does not mean you are comfortable meeting them.
4. What is the reputation and history of this organization and the board?
I run out of fingers counting the number of individuals who have said, “If I had only known the whole story.” It is important that you review the past audits and financial statements.
Also, check if there are any pending or recently settled lawsuits. Ask the recruiting board member and CEO if there are any skeletons in the closet.
It’s deflating to walk into your first board meeting to discover only half the board is in attendance. Take time to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the board and the degree of members’ contributions to the organization’s success.
Last and perhaps most valuable, attend a board meeting before making your decision. You will gain invaluable insight into whether the fit is right.
