The benefits of being a Board member are many and varied. Having the privilege to work with other extraordinary people who are devoted to your organization's mission is a wonderful feeling. You will make connections that will benefit you in both your personal and professional life. Board service can also be a great way to gain insight from other people's perspectives and challenge your own. You can apply your experience to make a difference in the community, or even create new ventures.

A well-trained board is crucial to the success of any company. Boards often need a range of expertise to help guide strategy and policy, financial management and much more. In fact, some organizations have a specific role on the Board for a particular skill set such as a communications expert or someone with knowledge of business finances. One way to develop the necessary skills to achieve an organization's goals is to seek out Board members willing to serve in these subcommittees.

Cons of Board Membership

Although the pros of being an elected board member outweigh the disadvantages, it is crucial to remember that the position comes with many legal obligations and must be taken very seriously. It's also a demanding and time-consuming job that requires a lot of time, energy, and experience. Boards with members who have served for a long time can provide a lot of institutional memory, which is beneficial as the organization grows.

During the process of recruitment it is crucial to understand why a candidate would like to join your Board. You can easily recognize those who are simply trying to improve their resume or advance their career plan. But, you should identify those with genuine enthusiasm for the cause. If you can recognize an individual's genuine interest, then they are more likely to be willing to put in their best effort.