Nonprofit boards spend a lot of time verifying employees, volunteers, and other stakeholders, but nonprofit boards must dedicate at least once a year enough time to conduct a self-assessment, as this can help remind these boards of what their duties and responsibilities are.

In order for nonprofit board members to perform at their best, they need to evaluate their performance both individually and collectively. Annual self-assessments provide the board an opportunity to step back from many other obligations and seriously reflect on how well they are performing, as well as better oversee the organization and meet its various needs.

How do nonprofit boards benefit from self-assessment?

Nonprofit organizations benefit greatly from board self-assessment processes, as the results of the evaluations provide board directors with both tangible and intangible value; on the other hand, the results should show positive progress and development in the performance of the board, executive directors, and the organization as a whole.

It is important for nonprofits to conduct board self-assessments by finding positive thought processes; conversely, organizations should not seek to embarrass, insult, or lay blame on board members through this process.

Board assessments should be conducted in a way that helps reveal how the board is currently performing its assigned tasks, assess its progress in the future, as well as improve relationships among board members so that they can work together more effectively and efficiently; assessments should also highlight important areas of board work that need attention or development.

In fact, board assessments are an opportunity to define specific standards for creating a successful and effective board of directors and shape the future structure of the board; moreover, most nonprofit boards find that board assessments help them build trust and respect among their members, enhance communication between board members, executive directors, and staff, which encourages everyone to work effectively as a team.

What types of questions yield the best results regarding board performance?

Board evaluations aimed at finding clear answers to survey questions contribute to obtaining the best results regarding board performance; however, the questions should provide accurate answers about the board's performance and should be as follows:

– Is the fundraising process happening as expected?

– Is the budget sufficient to cover the organization’s expenses?

– Does the organization provide new board directors with a comprehensive orientation that includes a description of their roles, duties, and responsibilities?

– How effective are the current programs the organization has in place?

– Is it an appropriate time to resume any new programs, activities, or fundraising campaigns?

– Is the board keeping up with prevailing trends in the industry?

– Does the committee encourage individuals to voice concerns through appropriate channels?

– Can the board members approach the executive director for guidance and support?

Getting to the heart of individual board member performance

Each member of the board will have different answers regarding their own performance. In this case, questions should focus on the directors as individuals and center around each director's expectations of their role, and all board members should have clear definitions of the organization’s mission, values, and goals.

Moreover, some questions should include expectations about their leadership skills, such as:

– Are they willing to take on a leadership role?

– Are they willing to serve on committees as members or chairs?

– Are they willing to take on some positions?

Additionally, other questions should address the level of board directors' engagement, including:

– Do they ask timely questions and have a good understanding of board and committee meetings?

– Do they support the majority of the board's decisions?

– Do they maintain confidentiality in board and executive sessions?

– Do they speak on behalf of the organization only when permitted?

– Do they regularly propose new programs for the organization’s agenda?

– Do they prepare in advance for board meetings, committee meetings, and organizational activities?

– Are they willing to serve as advisors and discuss difficult decisions that executive directors need to make?

On the other hand, board assessment surveys should also inquire about the ethical behavior of board directors, such as:

– Do they avoid asking employees to perform personal services on their behalf?

– Do they serve the interests of the organization as a whole without allegiance to any particular group or constituency or donor?

– Do they maintain their independence and objectivity?

– Do they act fairly even when it is not required of them?

– Do they refrain from accepting gifts and similar offers from individuals who deal with the organization?

Author: Nick Price

Publication: BoardEffect