A good board member is one who brings energy, expertise and passion to the board. They are aware of their responsibilities, and are able set guidelines to achieve the organization’s business goals and legal obligations. They are aware of the organization’s culture, its operations as well as the vision, mission, and values. They also know the role and responsibilities of each and the fundamentals of good government.
It is essential that a good board member is able to ask questions and challenge the major decisions. Most often, this happens through questions or challenges designed to help the CEO understand a problem they may not have www.boardroomparty.com/5-characteristics-that-make-a-great-board-member/ recognized, look further ahead than the CEO is looking or to encourage a different view. A great board member will be able to accomplish this in a professional manner, without being personally offensive or intimidating.
Great boards are populated with board members who are dedicated to the goals of the association and can inspire others. They are also able to communicate effectively and make decisions swiftly. A good board member should be prepared for meetings on the board as well as other events. This includes showing up to the meeting with a full understanding of the agenda, documents for the board and committee reports, and having prepared questions for the meeting.
The ability to be a good board member is as much about the attitude as it is about background, expertise or education. The best board members think about how their actions benefit the association as well as the other board members. They do not personalize debates and seek to resolve conflicts, and can provide solutions that unite both sides of an issue.
