Nonprofit consultant and lover of all things boards, Simone Joyaux knows the ins and outs of what it is that a board of governance does. From recruitment to diversity to her mission to destroy executive committees, Joyaux covers it all. She has posted this information in her free download library along with other topics we didn’t have time to cover.
“Governance only happens when you forget individuals and focus as a group. That is a board.” – Simone Joyaux
Board of Governance Recruitment
As Joyaux mentioned, board recruitment is a year-long job. You should always be on the look-out for your next member. It can be hard to decide who is the right choice and where to get started.
But just as you are interviewing them, they are interviewing you, too.
Joyaux gave six questions that you must ask if you’re being asked to serve on a board of governance. And even if you’re not being asked, you as the interviewer should have answers ready for these questions.
- Do you have a policy of performance expectations for board members?
- What happens at a board meeting?
- When was the last time you had a disagreement at a board meeting?
- Is there any kind of annual performance review of the board or its members?
- What are your major issues that you’re facing right now?
- Why me? How can I help you address your needs?
By asking these questions, and knowing the answers to them as the interviewer, you’re really putting focus on the board serving as a diverse group with a lot of important things happening. Without conflict, set responsibilities and goals and a process to review the progress made, a board isn’t a board at all. It’s half-engaged individuals that aren’t going to accomplish nearly enough.
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