When choosing new board members for your small-sized business or nonprofit The best candidates for the board should be individuals who share an enthusiasm for the organization’s mission and are willing to give their time. Do not select someone based on whether they’re a family member or friend. The process of selecting a board member must be thorough. You should research their background, get references and do a review of conflicts of interest to ensure you’re choosing the right individuals to help your company grow and prosper.
Board members must have experience in the field, and be able use their expertise to assist the board in making informed decisions. They should be able to think ahead and challenge the status that is in place. Boards must be balanced as you do not need a board with too many visionaries and too few executioners.
Ideally, the new board member will have experience on other boards, but that’s not always the case. If a person doesn’t have board experience, consider the number of boards they’re on and what their role is. Too many boards can lead to burnout or lack of focus.
One mistake that leaders make is to surround themselves with “yes people.” They choose only those who agree with them and are not willing to question their plans or decisions. This is a risk to the capital of investors, employees’ futures and the future of their businesses. To boost the success of your business it is essential to promote lively discussion and to introduce new perspectives.
