An effective board of directors is critical to your nonprofit’s success. Two keys to creating a powerful board are:
1. Assuring your board members know exactly what is expected of them
2. Making sure they know they are appreciated and making a significant impact.
The end goal is to inspire passion for your mission in every board member. Studies show that passion rubs off on others and increases their happiness levels, and is also one of the primary traits making leaders successful.
Powerful ways to show the board that they are appreciated include acknowledging their contributions publicly. For example, recognize their impact at the annual meeting or a special event, or offer a champagne toast to an extraordinary accomplishment at a board meeting.
Tell others about how unique your board member(s) is; you might send a press release announcing a Board member’s contribution or impact to your local newspaper and business journal and post it on LinkedIn and social networks or write a Letter to the Editor bragging about them.
At your next board meeting, invite your board members to share an accomplishment of which they are proud. This is a great way to spotlight their engagement with your organization.
Professional associations, Chambers of Commerce, leadership development organizations (like National Leadership Institute and Leadership Broward), Community Foundations, and others, sometimes offer recognition to outstanding board members. Look for chances to nominate them for these distinctions.
Learn more in the Leadership: Governance, Board Policy & Volunteerism class. Click here for the yearly schedule to find the next class.