Pros and Cons of Board Membership

training for new board members

There are numerous benefits when you are a board member. Being able to work with other amazing individuals who are committed to the mission of your organization is a great feeling. You can make connections that are useful in your personal and professional life. Board service can also be a great way to gain knowledge from different views and challenge your own. You can make use of your knowledge to make a difference in the community, or begin new ventures.

The ability of a group of Board members is crucial to a business’s success. Boards require a wide range of expertise to guide policies, strategy, financial management, and more. In reality, some organizations have a particular role on the Board that requires a specific expertise, such as an expert in communications or with knowledge of business finances. Recruiting Board Members who are willing to serve on these subcommittees could be one way an organization can develop the skills needed to reach its goals.

Cons of Board Membership

While the advantages outweigh the cons, it’s important to remember that being a Board Member is serious commitment, and is accompanied by legal obligations that must be considered seriously. It’s also a time consuming and sometimes challenging job that requires a lot of effort, skill and experience. Boards with long-serving members can provide a lot of institutional memory, which is valuable as the organization grows.

In the process of recruiting it is essential to understand the reason a candidate is interested in joining your Board. You can easily spot those who are only trying to pad their resume or increase their career goals. But, you should find those who have a genuine passion for the cause. If you can gauge a candidates genuine interest in the cause, they’ll be more likely to devote their full focus and effort.

Leave a comment