Unlocking Board Potential: Key Year-End Questions to Empower Your Nonprofit
In the nonprofit sector, the challenges and frustrations surrounding board engagement and effectiveness are so very common. Many of us who have worked in nonprofits can relate to the struggles of navigating board dynamics and ensuring productive collaboration. It’s not for the faint of heart.
However, it's crucial to step back and assess how the board members themselves perceive their roles and contributions.
As we approach the year's end, it's an opportune time to initiate a dialogue with board members. This process is not just about gauging their satisfaction but also about understanding their experiences and insights. Such reflection can be instrumental in shaping a more effective and engaged board for the coming year.
Here are some critical questions to consider asking your board members:
"How’s it going for you? Do you have any comments, questions, or critical feedback?"
"Tell me about your committee experience. What are your thoughts on the projects undertaken by your committee?
Does this committee align with your interests and skills, or would you prefer to contribute to a different one?"
"What could we do differently to enhance your experience as a board member?"
"You will be serving on the board for another [specified number] years before your term ends. What goals or accomplishments would you like to see achieved before you complete your board service?"
These questions can be posed through a brief survey or an email, offering board members a chance to openly share their perspectives.
Responses can be enlightening, revealing areas for improvement and new strategies for board engagement. More importantly, this feedback is invaluable in crafting a board that is not only more aligned with the organization's goals but also more invested and satisfied with their roles. A win-win!
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Michelle Flores Vryn, CFRE is a nonprofit leader, fundraiser and consultant. She is recognized as an engaging speaker, teacher and writer on how to accelerate nonprofit impact through sustainable growth. You can reach out to her for speaking engagements and trainings.
Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn and check out her [re]generative nonprofit blog for more insights on the social sector.
