Remembering the three questions of board member selection

Many years ago, I learned an interesting way to consider hiring new board members. Although the bylaws of an organization may require that consumers, specific types of professionals (eg, Physicians, service providers) or professionals who have certain credentials (eg, a licensed social worker, certified occupational therapist) They are on your board, examining the three Ws can also be a concept worth incorporating into your recruiting efforts.

The three questions to remember when recruiting potential board members are to look for the wise, the hard-working, and the wealthy. Although this mix can vary over time, each group should include approximately 1/3 of its board of directors. Of course, this balance will depend on the current needs of your organization.

The wise: are the people who have specific types of experience. They can be doctors, accountants, marketers, fundraisers, lawyers, or people whose wisdom comes from many years of experience in a specific area. These people are valuable, often providing excellent information and advice that could help your organization save thousands of dollars. Since these people are probably very busy, be careful when communicating with them, as you do not want to take advantage of their knowledge and experience. How many of these people are in your directory? Do you have a sufficient number to help you achieve your mission?

Workers – These are the people who have the most time to work on projects, fundraising events, or other activities that the organization’s staff don’t have time for or that might be more suitable for board members. These people often have high energy levels and are generally in a better position to help the organization address its goals and objectives. Ask these people which projects they are most interested in, so that you can make full use of their knowledge, experience, skills, and talents. How many workers do you have in your directory? Do you need more to help you complete specific activities and projects?

The rich: they are the people who have a lot of money or have access to money. They could be wealthy independently (for example, Bill Gates), they may have developed and / or run a foundation, or they may have an excellent track record for applying for funds, either through grants or other means. These people may also meet people (eg family, friends, colleagues, coworkers) who are wealthy and who may be looking for a great cause to fund. These individuals are extremely valuable as they can help the organization ensure and / or maintain financial stability. Do you need more of these people in your directory or are you satisfied with your current composition?

Therefore, in addition to reviewing and complying with the requirements set forth in your bylaws, also consider looking for people who fit into one or more of the three categories mentioned above. Remembering the three questions is just another tool you can use to recruit the people who can best help you achieve your organization’s mission and vision.