Can Friends Make Good Board Members?
Do You Really Want Your Friends on Your Nonprofit Board?
When you're starting a nonprofit, it's natural to turn to your friends for support. They've been there for you through thick and thin, and they believe in your mission. But before you ask them to serve on your board, there are a few things you need to consider.
Do they have the skills you need?
Your board is responsible for providing oversight and guidance to your organization. They need to have the skills and experience to help you achieve your goals. If your friends don't have the skills you need, you'll need to find other board members who do.
Do they have experience serving on boards?
Serving on a board is a big responsibility. It requires a commitment of time, energy, and expertise. If your friends don't have any experience serving on boards, they may not be prepared for the demands of the role.
Can they set good boundaries between work and friendship?
As a CEO, you'll inevitably disagree with your board members. If your board members are also your friends, those disagreements can have a negative impact on your personal relationship. It's important to make sure that your friends can set good boundaries between their work and personal lives.
Do they have an entrepreneurial spirit?
Starting a nonprofit is a risky venture. You need board members who are willing to take risks and who share your vision for the organization. If your friends are risk-averse, they may not be the best fit for your board.
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Asking tough questions
It's important to ask yourself and your friends hard questions before you ask them to serve on your board. If you're not sure whether they're the right fit, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Don't hurt their feelings
If you decide not to ask your friends to serve on your board, be sure to do it in a way that doesn't hurt their feelings. Explain to them that you need board members with specific skills and experience, and that you don't want to jeopardize your friendship.
Conclusion
It's tempting to pack your board with friends, but it's important to choose board members who are the right fit for your organization. By asking yourself and your friends tough questions, you can avoid making a mistake that could have serious consequences for your nonprofit.
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President, Vision Center International Inc.
1 年My very good friend, a high school classmate is on my board. We have known each other for over 40 years and he has been on the board for over 5 years now. We have learned to 'disagree to agree'. On contentious issues, we are both mature enough to allow the superior view prevail. That is also true for other board members. For me, it all has to do with having people who share your vision, have the skill set that compliment your mission, and are mature enough to go the process with you. With my friend, we are open and honest with ourselves and not afraid to tell ourselves the truth regardless of our personal feelings. That I think is key.
Non-Profit Leader | Fundraiser | Consultant
1 年Really great, succinct pointers on the risks involved. In my experience, I have shied away from asking friends to join boards and instead asked them to volunteer, precisely because of the potential difficulty setting boundaries. Especially with a start up situation, you run the risk of it appearing too social and not formal enough. Setting that culture at the outset is vital. JMO.
Realtor Associate @ Next Trend Realty LLC | HAR REALTOR, IRS Tax Preparer
1 年Thanks for Sharing.