Conflicted Interest Policy? |
Oct 7, 2010 |
This past month the workshop we presented was titled The Board's Greatest Gift and included many valuable insights for organizations who want to have an effective board.
Topics included were…defining the purpose of your board, roles of the board and the CEO in leading the organization, the five models for board operation, the primary output of boards, understanding how policies work, a conflict of interest policy and how boards view fundraising.
But as I have connected with many of you, I find that there are a few who are still struggling to understand board member recruitment. Who would make a good board member for your organization?
You have a belief that you need a certain type of individual on your board, but at the same time you find yourself settling for someone who would simply say yes. Keep in mind (another workshop point) that the greatest qualification for being a board member is not simply having a pulse!
Nevertheless; you find yourself conflicted. You have instituted a policy (albeit a mental one) that on one hand you will fill your board vacancy with someone who simply would say yes to your invitation, or worse yet, you set your focus only towards the notables of your community (those with power and position) and nothing less will do.
This conflicted thinking will set your organization sailing toward eventual destruction.
For organizations that are in their infancy stage through those who have been around for years, the best potential board members are right under your nose. You are probably connecting with some of them every day.
Who are these people? They are champions who are connected, engaged, convinced and sold out for your cause. Those whose heart beats the same as yours.
As you connect with your champions, begin to find out who they are. This will not only help you discover what types of talents and abilities they have as you comprehensively coach them in relation to your cause, but it will provide your board a great starting point when it seeks to recruit new members who might be capable of leading your organization.
If you would like the information presented at this workshop to share with your board, this will soon be available in DVD format in our MIF store.
Please check our website for this and other valuable helps (future workshop registrations, MIF board survey, Giving Circle Webinar Podcast) that Mission Increase Foundation has to offer.
