There are a variety of you can try these out characteristics that make an effective board member including connections to the community and wealth to expertise in a specific field. But there are certain intangibles that make a great director for the job, like the ability to think out of the box and remain uninvolved when discussing controversial issues.

It’s equally important for boards to have board members with the appropriate communication skills, since they will be sharing sensitive information within and out of meetings. Board members need to be able effectively communicate both verbally as well as in writing. A successful board member must have a strong moral code and a desire for the business to be successful.

Having the right mix of board members is vital to a nonprofit’s success. Creative directors can give a fresh perspective to issues which may be stuck or not being properly addressed. Likewise, the addition of a financial expert can help ensure that crucial financial issues are being looked at from a variety of angles.

The nominating committee should make sure that new board members are well-suited for the job, and have the required experience and independence. A reputable nomination committee will search for candidates with a variety of skills, such as knowledge of the organization’s operations and strategy, as well as the stakeholder group. It is crucial that the board does not have overlapping memberships since this could hinder its effectiveness.