Successfully working with a Board of Directors is a significant aspect of managing a non-profit organization. Some boards are policy-making boards that provide broad oversight, others are very hands-on and perform tasks often done by staff, and others are in- between. Board roles vary depending on a variety issues, some pertaining to the organization and some concerning individual members and their understanding of what a board member's job really is.
We thought we'd have some fun with this - so, here are a few sure-fire, time-tested strategies for board members to help guarantee they won't do their jobs.
1. Refuse to help with fund raising - after all, that's the staff's job. Be especially firm about not being willing to ask for money.
2. Micromanage the staff and obsess about things like logos and the photos on the website. That's what's really important.
3. If you don't understand the financial statements that are presented at board meetings, don't worry about it, and be sure not to ask questions. Leave the financial part to the Treasurer and the staff -- after all, that's their job, not yours.
4. Don't bother reading the materials that are sent prior to board meetings; scanning through them during the meeting is enough.
5. Make major organizational decisions without consulting or including the Executive Director - after all, the Board runs the organization, right?
We'd like to hear from you! Click here to send us your time-tested tips and ideas. And keep on smiling!