Board Life Matters is a national sounding board designed to inspire and engage the next generation in nonprofit board service.
Anna Tegen
I must confess that I’m not particularly fond of New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps it’s because I don’t like ultimatums and, in a way, New Year’s resolutions are ultimatums to yourself. That said, I found myself driving through New Mexico over the holidays (a great experience—I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t done it), thinking about the year ahead and how I was going to become a better board member. You might say I was subconsciously creating goals for 2010 and as a first-timer, this is what I resolved:
Commit. True confession: the novelty of becoming a board member has worn off. So, I have decided to reignite my passion. Our members (YNPNdc) are what get me excited about the nonprofit sector, so I set a personal goal of increasing my attendance by at least one event a month. For you it might be to invite your board members to the next game you attend; or donate $25 more a month to your organization. Adjust your commitment so that you are not simply meeting the basic requirements. Challenge yourself and expand your impact.
Prioritize. Leading up to the holidays, I had a couple of time-consuming responsibilities (personally and professionally), but instead of being honest with my committee about my capacity, I overextended myself. Try to set priorities for yourself each month. This will help you reach your board goals without affecting your personal health, both mental and physical. And it will allow you to keep your board members informed about non-board-related responsibilities.
Challenge. This blog was a challenge for me. I hate writing for other people. It makes me anxious and self-conscious, but it was a great way for me to push my comfort barrier. This year I want to commit to something else out of my comfort level. I already have one such commitment lined up and am (sooo not) looking forward to the uncomfortable growing pains that come with new territory. Wish me luck.
Stepping back and taking a breath helped me remember my passion, understand my limitations, and push myself to become a better, more successful board member. I hope you too will inspire yourself, and if nothing else, know that I’m here with you – dizzy in the new world of board service.
Anna,
Thanks so much for sharing your ‘non-resolutions’ with us! I really love your first one — commit — because, I think board members don’t often admit that interest wanes and that it can be reignited. You’ve got some great ideas about reconnecting.
Thanks for taking on the board service challenge, and all the best to you in 2010!
Thanks Anna for sharing your Board experience and your transparency. I, too, love your first one – commitment. We need to know our own capabilities before committing to serve on a Board. Do we really have the time, talent and resources needed to meet the challenge? Have we considered how this effects my partner, my children, my business. What sacrifices will I have to make? When a Board member knows before going in exactly what impact it will have, he can stay focused on Board tasks throughout the term of his service and at the end, satisfaction comes that a commitment has been made and fulfilled. We’ve reached a personal goal! It’s a good thing.
Although there are certain tasks that must fit a time-line (tax filing, AGM come immediately to mind) the new year is an excellent prompt to look at the strategy of the organization, and challenge yourself to more completely algin with the strategy. (Or maybe it is time for the Board to launch a review of the strategy!)