In Part I of my blog on developing an effective board of directors I wrote about identifying candidates for the board of directors; however, just identifying board candidates is a relatively easy part of the recruiting process. The difficult part is convincing them to serve. What are some methods to use? I have found the following to be successful:1. Prepare a “Board Member Manual” and have it available to distribute to candidates. The manual should illustrate what board life is all about. The manual should also contain specific descriptions for each position on the board.
2. Ask the candidate to be a “Board Member for a Day.” Invite the candidate to attend a board meeting and have them spend that day, both prior to and after the meeting, with a current board member.
3. Ask candidates to serve on a committee. Every board of directors should utilize committees. They are terrific tools in recruiting community talent. Often times a member who is not willing to initially commit the time and energy to a board position will accept an appointment to a committee. The committee appointment often leads to an added interest in the entire affairs of the community and a thirst for more involvement that can be channeled into becoming a board member.
4. Have candidates serve out unexpired board terms. Whenever a board position becomes open in the middle of a term, ask a likely candidate to just serve out the remainder of the term. This will offer the candidate the opportunity to experience the role prior to making a longer commitment.
--By Marty Pozgay, President, FCGS
No comments:
Post a Comment