Why Are You Occupying That Seat As A Board Member?
“My friend asked me to sit on the Board.”
“I thought it was a good career move.”
“I like what the organization is doing in the community and I thought I could help.”
“I have no idea. It seemed like the thing to do but now I wonder.”
“My company “suggested” to all managers or would-be managers that we contribute in our community through board service.”
“I wanted to add it to my resume. Looks good!”
The answers are as varied.
Are You Wasting Your Time?
If you are not feeling enthusiastic about your participation on the board, you are definitely wasting your time. Worse, you are wasting everyone else’s time too. And the organization – the organization depends on people helping them to move their cause further to fulfill their mandate. Without full board participation, the organization struggles. Their resources and time are being spent are someone uninvolved and actually harming the organization with the ho-hum approach.
Suggestion
Ask yourself exactly why you’re there. If there is not a good answer about how you are contributing the organization besides sitting in a chair at board meetings, then find another organization or don’t bother volunteering at all. The harm you’ll do to your reputation and your company’s as well as to the organization which you agreed to serve will produce a backlash. If for no other reason than self-preservation, hand in your resignation.
If, on the other hand, by asking yourself why you’ve discovered great enthusiasm for the organization, and you can see how you can benefit it and its client base, then jump in. Ask what they need most. Learn a new skill or hone one you need on the job.
You’ll find that the rewards are many and the returns on investment vast.
Happy Volunteering!
Lorraine Arams
