Board Chemistry for the Win

One more place in life to cultivate balance. Namaste.

Board work is one of the most rewarding things about nonprofit development. No matter what your structure, it’s absolutely where you learn all of the big leadership lessons for your organization, and in my opinion it’s the engine that either gives it vitality - or not.

Vitality is about balancing all the right elements and getting them to play well together. Here are the five profiles of people that I think you absolutely need on your board – plus a rare one that’s a huge find.

1. The Anchors – people with the long view, they’ve been through more than one stage with your nonprofit and have worn multiple hats with you. Why do you want them? Wisdom. A steady hand. A reassuring presence. If you’re going through change or crisis, these are the ones you lean on. Likely your most loyal donors and fundraisers.
2. The Young Bright Ones – young with an impressive resume already, they’re bursting with ideas and eager to prove results. Why do you want them? Innovation. Entrepreneurism. Enthusiasm. Energy. They help remind everyone that red tape and too many rules serve no one. They want projects to sink their teeth into.
3. The Primes – middle-aged and at the peak of their careers, they’re very quick on their feet. Why do you want them? They’ve tested big ideas in the marketplace, know how to calculate risks, and handle success and failure. They align your organization with the people in the city/country doing big things. They’re excellent philanthropists and can be brilliant fundraisers if they’re comfortable with it.
4. The Independents – these are true independent thinkers. Some people might consider them rebellious or disrupters. Why have them? They arrive at their own decisions. There’s no group think, confirmation bias, or Emperor’s new clothes with these folks. They’ll be the first to tell you when a grand plan or initiative just doesn’t add up. Almost always entrepreneurs. They have a small but fiercely loyal circle.
5. The Socialite / Master Networker – can be any age, any gender. Why do you need them? Social currency counts for a lot in arts and culture organizations, and you can’t have fun without these people. They magnetize your organization and events, build community, grow your donor pipeline, and literally bring life to the party with their miles-long contact lists. They’re happy to be your donor and some make great fundraisers.
6. The Sage – a deep thinker. Quiet. Doesn’t say a lot, but when they do, they tend to blow everyone away. Very rare. They don’t seek out board roles. You have to hunt for a sage and coax them out gently with their favorite cocktail and a good book. Why find them? They’re an anchor, a prime, and an independent rolled into one. A tremendously adaptive and valuable ally.

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