Over the past few weeks, I have spoken with various people who despite their admittingly not having a clue about what they are supposed to be doing are nonprofit board members and in some cases board officers.
They told me how during meetings they go through the motions as they watch colleagues who have been on the board longer and try desperately to model their behaviors. One said, "Since day one I have been been posturing in hopes that no one discovers my secret -- 'I'm faking it.'"
During each conversation, I put each one of these genuinely dedicated people at ease by telling them, "The people you're trying to impress are most likely faking it, too."
You see, most people who join a board (even those lucky enough to be courted, recruited and on-boarded properly) never actually receive formal board training. So they fake it. They watch those who were already at the table and follow their example -- assuming it's right when more often than not it is wrong.
We don't know what we don't know.
I included "Nonprofit Board Training" in my Pay-What-You-Can Nonprofit Training Program to ensure current board members, board hopefuls, and those starting a nonprofit can have access to best-practices training regardless of the organization's budget. If you are a current board member, hope to become one, or you're in the process of starting a nonprofit, this training is for you! The next board training will be held on Monday, July 23 from 6-9pm in Baltimore. Reserve your seat for just $15 and join me in my information-packed, interactive training (valued at $180)! Share this opportunity with your full board so you all can gain the knowledge, skills and tools for board success!
Michelle Nusum-Smith, a licensed nonprofit consultant, coach and trainer, is owner and principal consultant at The Word Woman LLC, a consultancy that helps nonprofits, government agencies, and individuals to develop the skills, knowledge and resources to achieve their missions to do good. With nearly 20 years of nonprofit experience, Michelle has expertise in organizational development and leadership, board development, program development, financial management, fundraising, marketing, and community relations. She is licensed to offer consulting services for the Maryland Nonprofit’s Standards for Excellence® program and has the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to work with nonprofit organizations across the country.
www.thewordwomanllc.com • info@thewordwomanllc.com • 240-215-4984
