How to Be a Great Board Member: Elevating Your Impact and Serving with Excellence

By Dr. Mary Kelly, Economist, Leadership Strategist, and Time-Management Realist

I love working with boards on their strategic and succession planning to develop and refine their vision. I absolutely love this work. My board members are dedicated, committed, and smart, and one of the members recently asked if I could capture what makes a good board member in an article, so here it is.

Serving on a board of directors is both an honor and a responsibility. Whether it is for a nonprofit organization, a community association, a corporation, or a credit union, board members play a vital role in guiding the vision, ensuring accountability, and driving the mission forward.

But simply occupying a seat at the table does not make someone an effective board member. To truly make a difference, you need to bring your time, talents, and thoughtful leadership to every meeting and decision.

Here is how to go beyond just showing up and become the kind of board member organizations dream of having.

1. Understand the Mission and Vision

Great board members start by deeply understanding the organization’s purpose. This means going beyond memorizing a mission statement—you need to internalize why the organization exists, who it serves, and how it makes an impact.
When you clearly understand the mission, every decision you make will align with the long-term vision rather than personal preferences or short-term fixes.

How to do it well:

• Read the organization’s strategic plan and key documents.
• Ask questions about goals, challenges, and priorities.
• Understand the history and context on current initiatives and obstacles.

A well-informed board member can better advocate for the organization and make thoughtful, mission-driven decisions.

2. Be an Active Participant, Not Just a Passive Observer

Showing up to meetings is not enough, you need to fully engage. Passive board members who sit quietly and rubber-stamp decisions do not add value. Active participation means listening carefully, asking insightful questions, and contributing ideas that move the organization forward.

Ways to actively engage:

• Prepare before each meeting by reading reports and agendas.
• Take notes and bring relevant information to the discussion.
• Ask clarifying questions to ensure decisions are well thought out.
• Speak up respectfully if you disagree or see potential pitfalls.

Pro Tip: Think strategically. Your role is not to manage day-to-day operations, but to guide, support, and oversee leadership.

3. Bring Your Unique Skills and Expertise

Every board member has a unique background, skill set, and network. Great board members leverage these strengths to add real value to the organization.

For example:

• A marketing professional might help refine outreach strategies.
• A lawyer could assist with compliance or governance questions.
• A local business owner might open doors to sponsorship opportunities.

Ask yourself: “What knowledge, skills, or connections can I bring to the table that will help this organization succeed?”

4. Build Strong Relationships

Boards function best when there’s trust and respect among members and leadership. Even when disagreements occur—and they will—a solid foundation of mutual respect ensures that conversations stay productive.

How to foster strong relationships:

• Get to know fellow board members outside of formal meetings.
• Listen actively and consider different perspectives before making decisions.
• Recognize and celebrate successes, both big and small.
• Avoid gossip, side conversations, or creating factions within the board.

When everyone feels valued and heard, the group becomes more collaborative and effective.

5. Understand Your Role in Governance

A common mistake new board members make is getting involved in management rather than governance. While it is natural to want to fix problems, board members must remember their role is to provide oversight and guidance, not to run the organization.

Governance responsibilities include:

• Approving budgets and monitoring financial health.
• Setting policies and ensuring they are followed.
• Evaluating and supporting the CEO or executive director.
• Ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

The board sets the vision, and the staff executes it. Staying in your lane ensures efficiency and prevents micromanagement.

6. Be Financially Literate and Transparent

Even if you do not have a financial background, it is your duty to understand the organization’s financial situation. After all, one of the board’s primary responsibilities is safeguarding its resources.

To be financially effective:

• Review budgets, audits, and financial reports before meetings.
• Ask questions if you do not understand something.
• Support fundraising efforts, even if it is outside your comfort zone.
• Be transparent about any potential conflicts of interest.

Pro Tip: Consider taking a nonprofit financial management class or workshop to strengthen your skills in this area.

7. Be a Champion for the Organization

Great board members do not just serve behind closed doors—they advocate publicly for the organization. You are an ambassador, and your words and actions influence how others perceive the mission.

Ways to advocate:

• Share the organization’s work on social media.
• Invite friends and colleagues to events.
• Introduce potential donors or partners to the leadership team.
• Speak positively about the organization in your community.

Your enthusiasm can inspire others to get involved, donate, or support the cause.

8. Commit to Ongoing Learning

Industries evolve, challenges emerge, and the needs of the organization will change over time. Great board members stay informed and adaptable.

Consider:

• Attending conferences or workshops related to board service.
• Reading about trends in governance, leadership, or your organization’s sector.
• Participating in training sessions offered by the organization.
• Asking questions and staying curious about emerging issues.

The more you learn, the more effectively you can guide the organization toward future success.

9. Be Reliable and Accountable

Reliability builds trust. If you commit to something, whether it is attending a meeting, chairing a committee, or following up on a task, follow through.

Simple but powerful actions:

• Show up on time, prepared, and ready to engage.
• Complete assignments by the deadlines you agree to.
• Communicate if you cannot meet a commitment.

Being dependable sets the tone for the entire board.

10. Know When It is Time to Step Aside

Sometimes, the most selfless thing you can do for an organization is to make room for fresh perspectives. If you no longer have the time, energy, or passion to serve effectively, it is okay to step down gracefully and support the organization in other ways.

This ensures the board remains vibrant and filled with members who are fully committed to its success.

Being a great board member is not about titles or prestige—it is about service, stewardship, and vision.

When you show up prepared, stay focused on the mission, and consistently seek ways to add value, you elevate not only the organization but also your own leadership legacy.

Boards are strongest when their members lead with integrity, curiosity, and collaboration. Be that board member who leaves the organization better than you found it.