You’re recruiting board members. Which of the following represents the top characteristic to pursue?
The answer is d. Something else. While it’s desirable to recruit board members with means, great connections, and people skills, what you need most is members who can think strategically.
Why are people who think strategically so valuable on boards? They help you grapple with critical questions, make thoughtful policies, and uncover options for moving forward. People who think strategically can shift their perspective from imagining putting their hand in the Colorado River to standing up on the Grand Canyon’s rim and all the ledges in between during a conversation. This perspective-shifting ability allows them to see the benefits, challenges, and consequences of options before making expensive investments.
What behaviors indicate that an individual thinks strategically? He or she-
Perfect board candidates think strategically, have means, great contacts, and outstanding team skills. However, if your candidates only have some of these characteristics, prioritize people who think the big picture and long-term. These individuals will help find people with means, great connections, and people skills.
Read: Why Do People Join Nonprofit Boards?
Watch: How to Cure Common Nonprofit Board Recruitment Headaches
Watch: Executive Directors, Do You Know This Secret to Nonprofit Board Success?
For more answers, check out this Nonprofit CEO Library.
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If you’d like to even more about board recruitment or dynamic nonprofit boards, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to help you recruit and create a nonprofit board that launches your nonprofit onward and upward.
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