5 of 8

Write now Article Tools

After working with multiple non-profits I have come to the conclusion that the three characteristics I would like board member to possess are (1) passion for the mission, (2) willingness to stand firm on their beliefs/morals and (3) keep personal judgments out of their decision making process.

Why Passion? Non-profits live and die on their contributions. If the board members do not have a passion for how they are trying to help society, they will not have a passion to talk with everyone they know about contributing to the non-profit. With passion also comes the willingness to step out of a comfort zone to pursue funds, property donations, volunteers, etc. And passion is definitely contagious. One or two board members express their passion to a few friends who get excited and passionate about the goals of the non-profit as well and then they tell a few of their friends and all of a sudden this small non-profit has contributions, volunteers and assistance from all parts of the country or even better world.

Why should board members be willing to stand firm on their beliefs or morals? More than likely the reason a person becomes a board member of a non-profit is because they believe in the mission or goal of the non-profit. Whether that goal has religious components attached to it or common humanity attached to it, the board members beliefs usually align with the goal. It is because of this alignment that a board member should be willing to stand strong and not waiver from their beliefs. Many times a board members personal beliefs or morals are tested when working with a non-profit and even worse their morals are broken in the name' of the non-profit.

Why should board members be willing keep personal judgments out of their decision making process? Non-profits take a piece of society that they feel needs assistance and work with the members of that piece to provide assistance. Sometimes that means working with people they would normally walk past, brush aside or judge. What board members need to understand is that bringing personal judgments into their decision making process will hinder the process of assisting their target group. When I work with board members who are teetering on the line of judgment I tend to ask them what they would do in a specific situation such as How would you feed your family if you lost your job and your life savings was taken from you?' This keeps them focused on why they have a passion for the purpose of the non-profit and it helps them think from inside someone else's shoes'.

This question or inquiry seems like it should be an easy one to answer. You list a few characteristics board members need to possess to succeed in carrying out the mission of the non-profit and viola, you have a successful mission. Unfortunately its not that simple to give a magic combination of characteristics board members need to possess because if they don't work together the non-profit will not grow and reach its goals. The internal tension and arguing among the board of directors will take precedence over everything else, which means nothing will get accomplished.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Bonner.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about What are the critical characteristics a board of directors needs to succeed?
We want to hear your view. Write now!