An opinion writer at the Tallahassee Democrat offered two pieces of advice I believe important for every nonprofit board member to consider:
Don’t leave your business savvy at the board room door. Sometimes board members get wrapped up in the programs and services agencies provide, and forget to consider ways to add value from a business perspective.
Yes, this is a charity and you are technically a volunteer, but if all you want to do is read to children or decorate for the annual gala, consider finding an off-board service opportunity. Nonprofits need board members who think about P&L, market share, year-over-year growth, future needs, risk management, legal compliance and more. If you do day that for your business and don’t want to go there during your time off, avoid board service and look for another way to support the organizations and causes you care about.
Avoid the temptation to tinker. Chances are, the nonprofit staffer with a Master's degree in social work is going to be better equipped than you to oversee the agency’s single moms support group or food delivery program. Rather than second-guessing program staff regarding the organization’s services — and potentially driving talented employees away — think about the big picture.
What does the nonprofit need to better fulfill its mission? What unique skills and relationships do you have that can help? I’ve seen boards kill staff morale by asking 20 questions about the location of the clothing drive instead of focusing on the strategic goals of the agency and leaning in to help meet them.