By Calvin K. Clemons, CAE, CMP
Make no mistake about it, the principle duty of a board of directors, and thereby each director, is to lead and care for the organization. This authority is passed along by law, but obligations accompany it.
Directors are responsible for acting in the best interests of the organization. They are to use sound judgment, prudence and diligence in discharging their responsibilities. Wise directors use the same benchmarks of performance for the organization as they would in running their own businesses.
Here are what I consider the top 10 traits of successful boards:
1. Honest--impeccable trust and integrity
2. Responsible--accepts the charges and performs
3. Committed--aware of time, energy and money required to perform the job
4. Independent--thinks for itself; stands up for what's right
5. Decisive--makes decisions based on facts; success-oriented
6. Forward-thinking--plans for the future; sets policy
7. Diverse--represents the constituencies of the organization or markets
8. Knowledgeable--takes time to study the issues and potential outcomes
9. Understanding--considers relationship with CEO and staff
10. Cooperative--works in concert to achieve the overall mission and goals; appreciates other points of view and opinions
Calvin K. Clemons, CAE, CMP, author of The Perfect Board, has served on many boards of directors as well as being the executive vice president or executive director of 16 associations.
Read more about board governance in this Credit Union Management magazine archive and by attending CUES Director Development Seminar with lead presenter Sandra Hughes.
