I thought the following offering by Millard Fuller (founder of Habitat for Humanity, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom which was given to him from President Bill Clinton) might prove of interest and thought to all those serving as nonprofit board members:
“For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people’s love and concern for each other.” He then turned to, and addressed, the university’s board of directors and said, “Be sure you are serving for a cause and not for applause. Fulfill your service to express, not to impress. Don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt. Make a difference. Make your world better. Be a healer, a reconciler, an educator, a servant, a creator of opportunity for those who need it most. Be a spreader of justice and goodwill.”
From Davis Enterprise, this quote was taken from an interview with founder of the Yolo Hospice. He also added
It was in those sessions that I learned how important it is for a nonprofit board chair and the organization’s CEO to act like co-pilots in the cockpit of a twin-engine jet. It requires both of them working in tandem to steer the plane safely, arrive at the intended destination, and to be able to make a smooth landing in the worst of weather.
Wisdom that can be acted upon?