What Traits Make a Successful Board Member?
There are many traits that make a board member successful, from financial wealth and social connections to experience in a specific field. There are some intangibles, however that make a good director. These include the ability to think out of the box and the ability to remain detached when discussing topics that are emotionally charged.
Board members must also possess the right communication skills as they will be sharing sensitive information both within and out of meetings. Board members must be capable of communicating effectively in both written and verbal form. A good board member should have a solid work ethic and an interest in the company to be successful.
The right composition of board members is essential to the success of a charity. Creative directors can provide a fresh view of issues that are stalled or not being addressed in a timely manner. A financial expert can assist in ensuring that all aspects of financial issues are taken into consideration.
The nominating board should take the time necessary to ensure that the new board members have the required experience and a sense of independence. A competent nominating committee will look for candidates with a range of skills, such as an understanding of the nonprofit’s operations and strategies, as well as its stakeholders. It is vital that the board doesn’t have overlaps in memberships since this could limit its effectiveness.
