Recently, there’s been lots of comments on LinkedIn regarding board member recruitment. I believe that board member recruitment (and orientation, training, development, evaluation) is one of the most important things that a board does for itself. And the competent CEO enables this to happen.
Good board member recruitment begins with a clear understanding of the role of the board and the basic principles of good governance. Board member recruitment continues with a clearly-articulated composition policy and board member performance expectations. All this is communicated and applied during screening interviews with candidates for board membership.
This is serious stuff. And lots of work. And often frustrating. But it must be done. And it must be done well. I expect the CEO/Executive Director to be well informed about governance, very knowledgeable about how to get this stuff done. Because the CEO enables the board and its members to do this. Often, board members just don’t know this stuff. And they aren’t paid to know this stuff.
