An Entrepreneur recently asked me to explain what makes a good board member. Boards that are www.boardroomparty.com/5-characteristics-that-make-a-great-board-member/ successful require members with a broad network in the field as well as a thorough understanding of a specific problem or issue and strong connections within the finance community. These are essential, but they are not the only ones. A commitment to the cause, the ability to listen, be humble, and the willingness to go that extra mile are essential to ensure that a board performs at its best.

A great board of a nonprofit is adamant about its mission and displays that passion in their actions. Whether that means taking part in fundraising walks or volunteering at events or engaging in lobbying city legislators, the board member is dedicated to assisting the people they serve. This is a trait that is not taught and can make or break an organization.

It is essential to exercise good judgment when you are on the board. This is especially important for nonprofit governance. A board that has a bad track record (whether it’s in hiring and firing or M&A transactions) is doing the organization an injustice. Good judgment requires wisdom, and it usually comes from lots of tough decisions, some blunders and a lot of knowledge.

The final quality I believe is a requirement for a successful board member is a sense of the importance of cooperation. In an annual board meeting, fundraising dinner, or any other setting, the most successful members recognize that their success as board members rests on cooperation and they take the time to build coalitions with their fellow board members.