Are you thinking of accepting a director appointment with a non-profit board of directors? If so, there are several factors to be considered. In this blog post, we will discuss 6 of the most important factors that you need to keep in mind before making your decision.

# 1 - Consider your motivation for wanting to serve on the board of directors.

Serving on a board of directors can be a very rewarding experience, but it is also a big responsibility. Make sure that you are clear on why you want to do it and that you are prepared to make the necessary commitment.

Are you looking to make a difference? Are you passionate about the mission of the organization? Do you have the time and energy to devote to board duties? These are all important questions to ask yourself before making your decision.

Serving on a board can be a great way to give back to your community, but it is important to make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that serving on a board is a way to advance your career or to network with other influential people. While these may be benefits of serving on a board, they should not be your primary motivation.

If you are unsure about whether (or not) you are ready to commit, talk to other board members or the organization's senior management staff. They can give you a better idea of what is involved and help you decide if it is right for you.

Remember, serving on a board of directors is a big responsibility. Make sure that you are prepared to make the necessary commitment before you decide.

# 2 - What time commitment is required?

One of the most important considerations is the time commitment required. Board meetings are typically held monthly, but there may be other duties such as serving on committees or attending special events.

Make sure that you have the time to devote to your board duties before you make your decision. It is also important to consider whether or not you can make the time commitment for the appointment term.

As a board coach, I sometimes find that board members and the organizations they lead are less effective than they should be because some members of the board truly don't have the time required to effectively fulfill their important board leadership role and responsibility. Bottom line - serving on a non-profit board is a big responsibility, and it is not something that you can do half-heartedly.

# 3 - What are the organization's values and do they align with yours?

Before you accept a position on a board, it is important to make sure that the organization's values align with your own. This is important for two reasons.

First, you want to make sure that you are comfortable representing the organization and its values.

Second, you want to be sure that you are serving on a board that is working towards goals that you support.

To learn more about the organization's values:

• Talk to other board members or management staff.
• Read their website and any promotional materials.
• Review the strategic plan. The strategic plan should include the current mission, vision, and values statements.
• Attend some of their events.

Undertaking some or all these steps will help to give you a good idea of what the organization is all about and whether or not its values align with your own.

# 4 - Identify, upfront, the term of the board position.

Effective boards are looking for individuals who are proven, leaders just like you. But like most proven leaders, you are often pressed for time. However, as a leader, you are looking for ways to give back and make a real difference. And you want to do so in a way that doesn't require a huge time commitment.

The term of the board position is an important consideration. Most boards have terms that range from one to three years, with the possibility of renewal.

Some organizations may have longer terms, while others may allow you to serve for a shorter period. It is important to find out what the term is before you make your decision.

This way, you can be sure that you are making the commitment that is right for you.

Serving on a board can be a great way to give back to your community, but it is important to make sure that you are prepared for the commitment.

# 5 - Do you understand the organization's structure?

The board of directors is the governing body of the organization and is responsible for setting policy, approving the budget, and hiring and evaluating the senior management staff.

Make sure that you understand the role of the board and how it fits into the overall structure of the organization before you make your decision. You can obtain this information through:

• The organization's bylaws, articles of association or letters of patent.
• Board Policies.
• The strategic plan which will normally include an organizational chart.
• Discussions with the board chair, other members of the board or the organization's senior manager.

# 6 - Do you understand and are you comfortable with the organization's financial position?

The board of directors is responsible for the stewardship of the organization's finances. This includes approving the budget, authorizing expenditures, and ensuring that proper financial controls are in place.

Make sure that you understand the organization's financial position before you make your decision to serve on the board. You can learn about the organization's financial position by:

• Reviewing the most recent accountant-prepared financial statements.
• Asking to see the organization's current budget along with the budget to actual reporting.
• Talking to the board treasurer or other members of the finance committee.

Serving on a board can truly be a great way to give back to your community, but it is important to make sure that you are well informed and prepared for the commitment.

By taking the time to understand your motivation, the required commitment, the organization's values, structure, and financial position, you can be sure that you are making the right decision for you.

What other considerations do you think are important before accepting an appointment to a non-profit board of directors? I look forward to receiving them by email at [email protected].

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. I hope that it has been helpful. Please feel free to share it with your network. And, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm always happy to assist.

Jon Close