How to Be the Best Board Member: A Simple Guide

Did you know that there are more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the United States? If you currently have a nonprofit organization or any other type of organization with board members and are looking to fill several positions, we are here to help you find the best board member for every position you need to be filled. We have put together this guide to share the top qualities to look for when finding a board member.

Keep reading to learn the best qualities your next board member should display.

1. Passion

Knowledge is not always everything. A board member that has a passion for the organization will make the world of a difference. It is best to have someone that has a deep interest in the main mission because they will always give it their all no matter the task they are assigned.

2. Discretion

A great board member can be trusted with all the information that is spoken about in the board meetings. Whether you have paperless board meetings or use paper, you want someone that is able to maintain the confidentiality of the discussions. The last thing anyone wants is for private information to be leaked out to others.

3. Innovative

When you are filling board member positions, you want to look for members that are active and always looking for new opportunities to increase their own knowledge. Members that are innovative and open to attending conferences, classes, and workshops to help them improve will prove to be an asset to your organization.

4. Great Team Player

When serving on a board, every person has to be a great team player. You want to find someone that is respectful and sincere towards other board members. You also want to find a person that is mindful of other people’s views.

5. Leadership

Finding someone that is able to take the lead when it relates to making critical decisions is another key quality you want to look for. You want someone that is able to see the bigger picture and also is not afraid to set the best direction in place to achieve the bigger mission at hand.

This person should also be dedicated and committed to fulfilling the goals of the organization.

6. Stewardship

You want to find someone that also has a strong desire for stewardship to others. Board members should have strong integrity when it comes to pursuing the goals of the organization. The best board members will also want to meet the interests of the public.

Ready to Find Your Next Board Member?

We hope that now that you have our list of the top board member qualities, you can make an informed decision when you are looking for the next member to add to your organization.

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