Do Friends Make Good Board Members?
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.
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.
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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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Private Investment Fund Manager ￡ Nonprofit Executive Board Member ? Love All, Serve All
10 个月I have found that it is an international and cultural question-answer. Americans don’t want to risk offending someone with the Truth. Of course, this is one of the purposes for the board, hold the leadership true to its mission, standard, and direction. Many other cultures, do not mind stepping on toes.