A CEO once said to me, “I would like us to have a conversation with one of my new board members.”
“Of course,” I said. “What would you like to talk about?”
“He wants to know what he is going to get from being on my board,” she said. “And I have never had anyone ask me that before!”
The CEO was intrigued.
Change Your Perspective on Boards
Typically, when non-profits are recruiting board members, they discuss the gifts, skills, and experience different volunteers might contribute to the organization. What time, talent, and treasure might they bring?
But what if instead we talk through what the volunteers will get from being on the board? Volunteers typically gain satisfaction from helping a community. They feel good about using their skills toward greater good.
A New Board Job Description
Imagine a reverse job description. Consider one that stresses what board members will receive from being part of your organization.
What would yours say?
