There are many benefits when you are a board member. The privilege of working alongside other outstanding individuals who are committed to your organization's mission is a fantastic feeling. You can build connections that will benefit you in both your personal and professional lives. Board service is also a fantastic way to gain knowledge from different views and challenge your own. You can make use of your knowledge to improve the community, or create new ventures.

A talented board is essential to the success of an business. Boards typically require a range of expertise to determine strategy, policy, financial management and much more. In reality, some organizations have a specific role on the Board that requires a specific skillset, for example, a communications expert or someone with a background in business finance. Recruitment of Board members willing to be a part of these subcommittees could be one way an organization can acquire the necessary talent to meet its goals.

Cons of Board Membership

While the benefits outweigh the cons, it's important to remember that being an elected Board Member is a serious commitment and comes with legal obligations that must be viewed with seriousness. It is also a difficult and time-consuming job that requires a lot of energy, knowledge and experience. Boards with long-serving members can provide an abundance of institutional memory that's important as the company expands.

During the recruitment phase, it is important to know why a candidate wishes to join your Board. You can easily recognize those who are only seeking to enhance their resume or further advance their career agenda. However, you can also discern those who have a genuine passion for the cause. If you can identify the true passion of the candidate in the subject, they'll be more likely to devote their full focus and effort.