Chamber Notes: Board of Directors Selection Beginning Soon

Have you ever wondered how and why individuals who are involved in not-for-profit organizations wind up in leadership positions within that organization?  Let me share some of my observations and offer a few personal opinions.  Keep in mind I said “opinions” and just like noses, we all have one.

Sometimes leaders rise to greatness primarily by default and timing. Unfortunately, a leadership position in some non-profit organizations may not be sought after or even desirable.  Or, as it’s sometimes said,  “it’s your turn in the tank.” 

Automatic ascension is another poor excuse for selecting leaders.  It’s called going through the chairs.  Does it really make good sense to assume that because he or she was a great Treasurer, he or she will also make a great President?  That’s kind of like saying “because I’m a good plumber, I can also be a good electrician.”

How about a promotion for a dedicated volunteer?  Just because an individual served as Chairman of the most successful ever XYZ celebration event, is he now somehow qualified to become a Director whose job it is to set policy for the organization?  Perhaps it would be a more valuable asset for the organization to keep this individual right where he is or call on him to train others in how to run successful events.In any of the above examples, the risk of failure for both the individual and the organization is paramount and should be avoided.  After all, isn’t it success we’re striving for?

Here at the , we’re beginning the process of selecting nominees to serve on our Board of Directors for a two-year term. Here are a few attributes our nominating committee will be considering.

Experience. Since it’s only a two-year term, there’s very little if any time available for on-the-job training.  An individual with the experience in serving as a Director on other non-profit boards should have some degree of knowledge as to performance expectations and the amount of time necessary to do the job.

Organizational Commitment. The nominating committee will be looking for members who have demonstrated interest in the Chamber through longevity of membership and participation as well as support of Chamber programs.

Director Diversity. The work and life experiences brought to the Board by its Directors provides for the consideration of many points of view as policy issues are deliberated.  A Board of all bankers or all retailers for example, would be of little value as the Chamber attempts to represent all of the business community.

Resources. Those things a new Director brings to the table cannot be understated.  After all, Directors are expected to support the organization at a high level.  Perhaps it’s the ability to host or sponsor an event.  Or maybe, provide the services of an employee  at no cost to the organization in an area where special expertise is needed.  It could be just as simple as bringing a foursome to the golf outing or sending an employee to a seminar.

By keeping these attributes in the forefront, we should be able to select a highly qualified and ultimately successful leadership team. I’ll let you know how things work out when we elect our new Directors at our Annual Meeting on May 3.

Chamber notes is an occasional column written and provided by Steve Hatcher, the president and CEO of the Oswego Chamber of Commerce.