The most suitable board member can make a big difference in the success of your business. The board of directors represents the interests of your business and their decisions can influence your work. If a board member becomes difficult to reach, does not attend meetings, or displays an unsatisfactory relationship with your ideals or the rest of the board, it may be time to consider replacing them.
A great board member will share the mission of your organization. Having passion for the issues that your non-profit addresses will ensure that they remain committed to serving long after the initial excitement of becoming an elected board member has worn off. They should also possess a certain level of organizational or business competence and be aware of the principles of good business practices.
Make sure you have a board of people with different age, ethnicity, skills and experience. This will give your board a diverse perspective and the ability to offer different perspectives to your leadership. Board members should be able to play the role of devil’s advocate and ask questions about assumptions even if the assumptions are from their own personal experiences.
Ask managing an existing team of employees your potential board members how much time they are willing to devote to the work of your committees as well as your board. Many people who express interest to join a board underestimate the commitment required and might not be able fulfill the role effectively. When vetting candidates, it is important to find any other commitments that might affect their ability to be on your board.