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Most boards meet quarterly. If your last meeting was less than effective consider these quick tips for improvements in board service.

We grow up hearing, “respect your elders.” It means to heed and honor those who have knowledge derived from experience that supersedes your own.

How do we keep directors engaged? "They lose steam. A few quit coming to meetings The passion they expressed has waned," are frequent complaints. The problem may run deeper than engagement. Board satisfaction is often correlated to engagement. A board member who loses interest may be dissatisfied with the organization or their leadership role. With 1.5 million nonprofit boards in the US, many struggle to attract and engage good leaders.

Welcome to the Board. You'll be attending meetings where nearly every call for action will begin with the phrase, "I make a motion ... " A motion is a way to introduce a topic to the meeting. An individual makes a motion, another seconds it. Now it is properly positioned for the Board's consideration.

The most common question asked by executive director is how do I &d new leaders?'' Whether seeking directors for the board. volunteers for committee or industry way leaders to serve on allied boards. the critical step is to ASK. Nearly every volunteer remembers who flattered them with the question, ''Would you accept a leadership role in our organization?

Before, During and After Board Meetings - A compilation of practices offered through the ASAE Executive Section listserv in March 2010.

"Leaders are made, they are not born," said NFL Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi. So where does one find a good source for leadership development? Association boardrooms are ideal schools for leadership. Most volunteers join a board out of a sense of responsibility and passion. Few people consider that board service results in enhanced skills to support personal and career growth.

How can you avoid a boardroom meltdown --- when voices are raised, fingers pointed or directors leave mad? The board meeting is a setting that brings together diverse volunteers for the purpose of governance. Discussions can be passionate and frustrating, and the environment unique to new directors.

When the meeting convened there were 12 empty seats. Nearly half of the directors did not show up. They addressed the problem by reducing the size of a quorum from 50 to 40 percent or only 12 people.

Board service requires an understanding of the terminology related to governance, meetings and legal requirements. Board Terminology provides definitions to the often-heard terms.

Read a set of minutes and one may ask why the board convened? Their was no evidence of significant actions and the majority of time was spent listening to reports.

The combination of skills and attributes will impact the board of directors. The aim is a mix of critical characteristics represented by various board members.

Here are some tips on what to include in your board’s recruitment package that you give to prospective board members. A decision to join a board is an important one. You want candidates to be well informed about the organization and have given their commitment considerable thought before they agree to serve.

External influences are a catalyst for change on association boards. The economy causes members and sponsors to evaluate participation. Benefits are changing to meet member challenges. The IRS and media scrutinize the purpose of tax exempt organizations. Technology has altered the speed and methods of communication and governance. Generations are saying no thanks to joining and serving as volunteer leaders. The real question is, "are we producing meaningful results as leaders?"

How do we keep directors engaged? "They lose steam a few quit coming The passion they expressed has waned," are frequent complaints. The problem may run deeper than engagement. Board satisfaction is often correlated to engagement. A board member who loses interest may be dissatisfied with the organization or their leadership role. With 1.5 million nonprofit boards in the US, many struggle to attract and engage good leaders.

As the associations/chamber CEO, I’m often the first employee to show up at the office. This day I put my key in the door but it does not budge. I’m sure it’s the right key but it does not give me access.

Not all directors know the meaning of governance. Some join the board with experience in their own work settings --- making administrative or tactical decisions each day. This is not governance.

Nobody thought the warning of a flash flood would impact the association office. Usually that “happens to somebody else.” Flash floods would slow the drive home…but certainly not destroy our office!