Five Habits Every New Committee Member Needs to Succeed

Congratulations! You’ve joined a committee at your private club. It’s an exciting opportunity, but it can also feel overwhelming. Where do you start? What’s your role? And how do you make sure you’re helping the club without stepping on the toes of the paid professionals running it?

The good news is your role is all about governance, not operations. Your job is to focus on the big picture, collaborate with other board members, and let the experts handle the day-to-day. These five habits will help you succeed and ensure the club thrives under your watch.

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1. Balanced Confidence

It’s natural to want to dive in and make an impact right away, but good governance starts with stepping back. Not every issue requires immediate input, and sometimes the best decision is to pause, ask questions, and consider the long-term implications. Trust the staff to handle the small stuff and focus your confidence on setting strategic goals. A calm, measured approach builds credibility and trust with both your fellow board members and the club’s leadership team.

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2. People Awareness

Committee meetings are more than just agendas and motions—they’re about dynamics, relationships and ensuring everyone understands their roles. Pay attention to what’s not being said. Are staff or fellow members hinting at bigger issues? Is there any hesitation or tension bubbling under the surface? Recognizing these subtle cues helps you navigate challenging discussions and contribute meaningful perspectives. Being aware of people dynamics isn’t about taking charge; it’s about understanding the environment so you can champion the right solutions.

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3. Kind Boundaries

One of the fastest ways to create friction on a board is to overstep. Your role is to guide, not manage. Respecting boundaries means you don’t call staff for operational updates or micromanage their decisions. Instead, focus on strategy, ask meaningful questions, and trust the professionals to do what they do best. Setting kind but firm boundaries ensures your energy is directed where it’s most effective—governance, not management.

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4. Clear Priorities

In any board role, it’s easy to get distracted by good ideas that don’t align with the club’s core mission. Your job is to focus on the initiatives that matter most. Ask yourself: Does this project align with our long-term goals? Is it a priority for the members we serve? Saying no to good opportunities makes space for great ones. Clear priorities keep the board focused and give staff the direction they need to execute effectively.

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5. Smart Recovery

Volunteering on a board is a commitment, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your well-being—or the club’s. Build in time to step back, reflect, and recharge. Whether it’s attending an annual retreat, taking a moment to celebrate small wins, or simply saying no to a non-essential meeting, recovery is key to staying engaged and effective. A refreshed perspective helps you make better decisions and maintain the energy to serve your club well.

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A Collaborative Path Forward

Micromanagement is the scourge of private clubs. As a new committee member, understanding your role is vital to the success of the club. By focusing on these habits, you’ll bring clarity, purpose, and balance to the boardroom. Let the staff run the day-to-day, and use your position to steer the club toward long-term success. Governance isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing the right things in the right way. The board sets policy and staff follows the board’s policies and runs the day-to-day operations. Welcome aboard. You’ve got this.