The beginning of a new board member’s role is both a time of excitement and a time of uncertainty. How will the board function with a new collection of people? What are some ways to make the transition as smooth as possible? Welcoming new board members doesn’t have to be scary. We’re here to help.
1. Proper Orientation
The first step to creating an effective board is having an effective board orientation. It’s important for new board members to get acquainted with other members and learn how the board functions. It can be difficult to feel comfortable and contribute immediately, but a well-planned orientation can help counteract and overcome the difficulties of stepping into a new role.
2. Learn Strengths
Through a solid orientation process, all board members will learn each other’s strengths. Helping someone succeed requires you to learn their strengths. By finding what someone is good at and playing to that, especially a new member, it will help them build confidence and contribute in the best way they can. It also shows the rest of the board has a genuine interest in the new member.
3. Open to New Ideas
A powerful way to let new board members know they are valued is fairly simple: listen. If a new member sees the board is open and willing to listen to new ideas, they will become a stronger member. It will also allow new ideas to flow during meetings, which can lead to better ways to do things. The way things have been may not be broken, but new ideas can still improve the functionality of the board.
4. Professional Support
A great perk to being a board member is getting to know others in your field and networking with other board members. In order to create a positive board environment, it’s important to offer resources to new board members and connecting them to others in the industry.
Building up new board members is essential to getting a good start with a new board. By following the list above, you will empower new board members and increase board efficiency. If you are a new board member yourself, check out these tips on being a new board member.