In a recent survey I did with 40 board members, 75% of them said they had never gone through a board orientation training. And, 13% had only one workshop/training experience ever.
The job of orienting board members usually falls to the executive director. But your time as an executive is already stretched to the max!
So, while creating an effective board orientation is probably not your biggest priority, dealing with the consequences of not having one will cost you valuable time and resources.
Especially if you want your board orientation to be truly effective!
Effective board orientations include two dimensions: content and process. My experience is that they typically include a lot of content about your nonprofit, but nowhere near enough content about governance.
And they don’t reflect much, if any, thought given to the processes for delivering that content.
Here are five tips to make your board orientation more effective:
- It is intentionally designed. Be clear about the content you’re delivering and thoughtful about the specific methods you use to deliver it (e.g., who, what, where, when?)
- The content is presented in a way that connects with your board member’s head and heart. Effective Board Orientations not only inform, they inspire!
- Content is included that educates board members about why they matter and why boards matter. Your process includes telling stories about how your board has had a positive impact advancing your mission.
- Effective governance is built on strong relationships. It includes opportunities for board members to build and strengthen relationships.
- It is a collaboration of board leaders and key staff.
If you want to learn more about how to have an effective board orientation, watch my free training: The 3 Biggest Mistakes Nonprofit Leaders Make Orienting Board Members That Cost Time and Resources.
Go here to register: https://www.hilandconsulting.org/webinar.