There are lots of traits that can go into making an effective board member, from connections to the community and wealth to experience in a field. But there are a few intangibles that help make a great director in their ability to think out of the box and remain objective when discussing highly emotional topics.

Board members should also have the necessary communication skills since they will be communicating sensitive information both during and out of meetings. Board members should be competent in communicating effectively in both written and oral form. Being able to work hard and a desire to do things right by the organization is an additional quality of a good board member.

The right composition of board members is vital to the success of a non-profit. For instance the addition of a creative director to the board could provide an innovative perspective to issues that could be stumbling around or not being addressed effectively. A financial professional can ensure that all financial matters are considered.

The nominating board must take the time necessary to ensure that the new board members have the proper experience and a sense of independence. A good nomination committee will look for candidates with a broad range of abilities, including knowledge of www.boardcontest.com/what-is-an-advisory-board-and-does-your-organization-need-one/ the organization’s operations, strategy, and stakeholders. It is also crucial for the board to avoid the possibility of having multiple members, which could limit its effectiveness.