What follows is a summary of tips from the Forbes Nonprofit "Experts" Panel on the topic of keeping nonprofit board members engaged. To me, some are just plain common sense and others are "maybe". Take a look and determine for yourself IF you care about having all your board members engaged. Also, note that much of this is written as though it's the job of the exec to ensure board engagement. I pose this to not be correct. It is the job of the board facilitated by the Chair to ensure engagement. A board is not the Exec's board!
How To Keep Board Members Inspired And Motivated
A board of directors can offer a nonprofit additional support that helps sustain the organization. To make the most of that support, nonprofit leaders must determine the most optimal way to keep board members engaged, interested and actively involved.
1. Select The Right People First - this is pretty much what Jim Collins of Good to Great for the Social Sector preaches about getting the "right" people on the bus. Of course!
2. Find Ways To Actively Involve Them - you think? But yeah, this is a big failure in actually knowing what members really want to be doing.
3. Maintain Communication - absolutely including Chair to each member and Exec to each member.
4. Facilitate Member Interactions With Staff And Beneficiaries - this one has to be carefully managed by the Exec noting that a board has only one "employee" - the Exec.
Establish frequent opportunities for board members to interact with staff and beneficiaries. Oftentimes, board members spend more time reviewing data in a boardroom than experiencing the successful result of the organizational mission firsthand. These opportunities can fuel the passion and dedication of your board tremendously.
5. Involve Them In Outside Engagements - perhaps
Involve board members in meaningful informational engagements outside of the normal meeting cycle, which is usually quarterly meetings. This presents a tremendous opportunity to leverage the expertise that exists on your board and opens space for deeper trust and relationship building. The energy generated around the organization's priorities can be contagious. - Arthur Mills, New Teacher Center
6. Keep Them Informed Of Progress And Engagements - Dashboard Anyone and, uh, ok!
Keep board members informed of the progress of partnerships and community engagements that they can support outside of the boardroom. Invite them to events that highlight some of the work that your nonprofit is doing. This gives them an appreciation for the impact that your organization is making locally or nationally. - Kimberly Lewis, Goodwill Industries of East Texas, Inc.
7. Show The Impact Of Their Investment - sure but this does strike me as kind-of arduous to track.
Always share with your board of directors where their investment of time, talent and treasure are creating a dynamic outcome. Proven programs and activities with proven results are inspiring. With new ideas and ways of engaging new sponsors and stakeholders, it is always motivating to see the possibilities of what's next. Assure them you are looking forward to remaining successful in the new year. - Aaron Alejandro, Texas FFA Foundation
8. Bring Them Into Strategic Planning - "bring them in? This is one of their core jobs!
9. Conduct Succession Planning - again, core job!
10. Ensure Giving Is Top Of Mind For Them - this should be part of the job description and agreed to upon recruitment never just sprung upon members.
11. Prepare Before Each Board Meeting - uh......
12. Create Win-Win Opportunities - I'd welcome learning more.
Empower win-win opportunities by encouraging board members to engage in the committees and/or initiatives that are of interest to them and activate their specific passions. Engage board members as champions or advocates for the organization beyond the boardroom. Create opportunities to highlight the expertise of board members in the boardroom or encourage them to share their "why." - Errika Moore, National STEM Funders Network