Reflect on the ideal attributes of board members

After watching the video take some time to reflect on your own board of directors and complete the checklist below.

1. This message focused on the attributes important to the role of an individual board member.

1.1 Does your board have a formal list of qualities you look for in all of your board members? If not, why not *

1.2 Has the lack of such a list hindered your ability to find good board members? In what ways? *

1.2.1 If yes, how effective have you been in realizing a reasonable match between the list of attributes and the abilities, commitment, and experience of the board member(s) you are recruiting? *

1.3 If the match between the desired attributes and candidates has been low, why might that be? *

The list was unrealistic and asked too much of the board members we hoped to attract.

There were no available candidates who met those qualities.

It is probably a result of a weak/inadequate recruiting strategy and/or skill on our part.

Your answers are only visible to you.

2. The speaker identified four categories of board member attributes:

• Foundational attributes: The non-negotiables, like mission alignment, spiritual maturity, character, etc.

• Interpersonal attributes: Like collegiality and self-awareness

• Capacity and commitment attributes: Surface mission alignment and commitment to serve on the part of candidates

• Technical skills: Examples here might include experience or skill in law, finance, pastoral care, business, missions, etc.

2.1 Are these the right areas of emphasis for your board members? If not, what is missing? *

2.2 What is the most challenging of these attributes to find in candidates? *

Your answers are only visible to you.

You should now have a better idea of the attributes of ideal board members. In the next section we have the opportunity to read through a case study and further our exploration into the attributes of the ideal board member