Characteristics of Highly Effective Non-profit Boards

1.        The organization’s Mission, and the Role of the Board in advancing it, are clearly articulated in writing and aligned with the Senior Staff.

 2.        The Role and Expectations of each board member are shared and clearly understood before they accept their appointment.  Each trustee agrees to take the lead consistent with his/her experience or influence.

 3.        There is a well-defined process for Board member Selection, Recruitment, Term limits, and Succession, in consultation with the staff leader.  Trustee criteria include bringing in fresh perspective and unique expertise, challenging existing paradigms, making new connections, and building diversity in demographic composition as well as outlook.

 4.        There is a robust and timely new board member Orientation program.

 5.        There is a well-defined process for Election and Succession of board Officers, a strategically focused Committee structure, and a written Charter for each committee, updated annually.

 6.        Board Meetings are set consistent with organization needs, Dates selected well in advance, and board Pre-reading distributed in advance to provide updates and action item background.  Board meeting Agendas focus on Solving Problems, Making Decisions according to a clear protocol, and Enhancing Board Knowledge of the mission work.  Meeting Action Items are distributed in a timely fashion.

7.        The Board ensures that there is a written Strategic Plan in place, reviewed periodically and renewed annually, and that sufficient Resources exist to execute the plan with quality.  The board is disciplined about not distracting the staff with additional priorities inconsistent with the strategic plan.

8.        An effort is made to Engage board members in the organization’s work and progress in between Board meetings.

9.        The Board conducts a Self-assessment by all Trustees, and administers an assessment of the organization’s staff leader each year.   The Board Chair delivers an Annual Performance Review summary to the staff leader, including expectations for the coming year.  There is a clear Succession Plan for the senior staff, covering both planned and emergency succession needs.

10.    The board sees itself as “Servant Leaders,” who are there to help the staff succeed, regularly Celebrate Successes, and seek to have Fun whenever possible.  All trustees model the organization’s values, desired behaviors and operating principles.