Setting expectations for your new board members is critical for their success, as well as yours, in their participation throughout the coming years of their board service.
Here are some tips on how to conduct a more effective board orientation:
- Start by setting clear expectations. What are the board's roles and responsibilities? What are the board member's expectations? What are the organization's goals and objectives? By setting clear expectations, you can help new board members get up to speed quickly and start contributing effectively.
- Provide comprehensive information. New board members need to know about the organization's history, mission, vision, values, and programs. They also need to know about the board's policies and procedures. By providing comprehensive information, you can help new board members feel confident and prepared to serve.
- Make it interactive. A board orientation should not be a one-way lecture. Get new board members involved by asking questions, facilitating discussions, and providing opportunities for them to share their ideas. By making it interactive, you can help new board members feel engaged and invested in the organization.
- Be welcoming and supportive. New board members are often nervous and unsure of themselves. Make them feel welcome and supported by introducing them to other board members, providing them with resources, and answering their questions. By being welcoming and supportive, you can help new board members feel comfortable and confident in their new role.
- Follow up. After the board orientation, send new board members a follow-up email with the key takeaways from the meeting. This will help them remember what they learned and ensure that they are on the right track. You can also schedule a one-on-one meeting with new board members to answer any questions they may have.
By following these tips, you can conduct a more effective board orientation that will help new board members get up to speed quickly and start contributing effectively.
Here are some additional tips that you may find helpful:
- Involve current board members in the planning process. Current board members can provide valuable insights on what new board members need to know and how they can be best supported.
- Tailor the orientation to the specific needs of the organization. Not all organizations are the same, so it is important to tailor the orientation to the specific needs of the organization. For example, a nonprofit organization that is working on a specific social issue may need to provide more information about that issue than a general-purpose organization.
- Use a variety of communication methods. In addition to providing written materials, you may also want to use other communication methods, such as videos, presentations, or group discussions. This can help to make the orientation more engaging and interactive.
- Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan, so be prepared to be flexible and adapt the orientation as needed. For example, if new board members have a lot of questions, you may need to extend the orientation or schedule additional meetings.
By following these tips, you can conduct a more effective board orientation that will help new board members get up to speed quickly and start contributing effectively.
