What Traits Make a Successful Board Member?

There are lots of traits that can go into making a successful board member including connections to the community and wealth to experience in a field. But there are a few intangibles that make a good director great for the job, like the ability to think out of the box and remain objective when discussing highly emotional topics.

It’s equally important for boards to have members who have the required communication skills as they are often required to share sensitive information in and out of meetings. Board members should be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. A successful board member must have a strong work ethics and a desire for the business to be successful.

The right mix of board members is essential to the success of a charity. Creative directors can provide a look here fresh perspective on problems that may be stalled or not being addressed in a timely manner. In the same way, adding a financial expert can help ensure that critical financial matters are being considered from all angles.

The nominating board must spend the time needed to ensure that the new board members have sufficient knowledge and are independent. A good nomination committee will look for candidates with a range of skills, including knowledge of the nonprofit’s operation, strategy, and stakeholders. It is important that the board does not have overlapping memberships, as this can hinder its effectiveness.