Board Members Pros and Cons
Opportunities for learning, prestige, for leadership development and networking are just some of the benefits of being a member of boards. Cammy and Ali also noted that it’s a way to get C-level skills in areas like governance, financials, marketing and public relations/communications while helping to shape the strategy and make decisions that impact a business.
You can identify opportunities through looking at non-profit groups in your area. Our panelists recommend identifying those you admire and reaching them to inquire if there is a board position open or a volunteer position. They recommend attending an event similar to a job fair, which is a board match.
You’ll be expected to participate in meetings and offer strategic guidance when necessary. You will also be responsible for fundraising. Our panelists suggested you choose a board where you feel at ease contributing at a level that you feel comfortable with.
The panelists in our panel stressed the importance of keeping up with paperwork and other tasks. This is especially true when boards become more interdisciplinary and geographically diverse. They suggest looking for tools that can help streamline these processes and making a point of staying in contact with board members through electronic communication and phone calls.
The panelists also discussed how being a part of a board can be incredibly fulfilling. They recommend finding an issue you are passionate about and becoming an advocate for it in order to find meaning in your work.