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9 helpful posts for aspiring directors

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L   et’s face it, knowledge is power!  Here are my top 9 blog posts from this year for aspiring Not-For-Profit board directors!

Of course, if you’re really serious about getting your first board appointment then you would definitely complete my online Board Ignition course. Not only does it share about the NFP sector and board governance, it also shows you how to develop your value proposition for a board and where to go and what to do to find your first board appointment! 

Let’s recap some of my most popular blog posts supporting aspiring board directors.

 

The following posts explore the intentions, motivations, practical steps and opportunities to be an outstanding board director.

Blog Post 1.  Why Join a NFP Board? Four Main Motivators?

It’s a great place to begin when you’re thinking of becoming a board director.   This post explores four of the most common motivators for joining a community board.  What motivates you!?

Blog Post 2. Find the right board role for you

One of the most important decisions is choosing the right board for you.  So how do you know where to start in finding the right one for you?  This blog post gives you some great tips to focus your thinking.

Blog Post 3.  Have you thought about Local Council?

Read about the importance of age diversity on Local Council.  Yes Local Council is an awesome opportunity to get involved in community at a grassroots level, listen to community members and make decisions in the best interests of all people.

Blog Post 4. Increasing Women on Football Club Boards

Community organisations come in all shapes and sizes. Read about the opportunity on football club boards as another opportunity to get involved.   If you love your footy, this is a great one for you!

Blog Post 5. How much time does a NFP Board position take?

Do you know exactly what you’re getting into when you accept a board position? Do you think it’s just about attending the board meeting? Think again.   Read more here about the whole time commitment involved.

Blog Post 6.  10 questions to ask before joining a NFP board

Due diligence time!  You’ve been offered a board role – what next?  Before you rush into that first board opportunity, step back and ask these questions first.  You want to make sure it’s the right fit for you and the right fit for the board too!

Blog Post 7. Read my hot tip to find a board appointment here.

So how do you mix with board directors so you can hear of the next position available?  It’s one thing to know about the NFP sector and board governance, it’s another thing to actually find a board position.  In the Board Ignition course, we explore the strategies to get onto boards but you can read one of my hot tips here.

Blog Post 8.  Start increasing your emotional intelligence to you are board ready!

Board directors need to display high level of emotional intelligence in the board room.  In fact, this can be one of the most crucial factors in a high performing board!  Here are 25 questions to improve your EQ before you get there.

Blog Post 9. 5 ways to start learning more about the NFP sector

The NFP sector is very different to the corporate sector. It has it’s own ecosystem of peak bodies, events and media publications.  Start learning more about the Not-For-Profit sector and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

5 ways to start learning about the NFP sector

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I love it when a person decides that they want to give back to the community especially when they are not connected to the NFP sector in their day job. This may mean though that there is a lot of learning about the Not-For-Profit sector, community development and the sector in which you want to give back.

There is nothing better than meeting and talking to people, attending conferences and volunteering but where do you go to start reading more about the Not-For-Profit sector?

I’ve collated a top list to get you started!

 

1.   Pro Bono Australia

Pro Bono Australia publishes resources for the Australian community sector. Our website helps you connect with your community through news, career and volunteering opportunities, and the directory of the Not for Profit organisations.

I was privileged to be profiled as a Changemaker of the Week recently!

2.  Third Sector

Third Sector is a professional development hub for leaders of the Australian Not-For-Profit sector. It produces a magazine and online content.

3.  Generosity Mag

Generosity is a leading source of independent news, stories and information about giving in Australia. Part philanthropy roadmap and part ‘how-to’ manual, Generosity is a thought leader and commentator on developments and emerging trends in the area of philanthropy.

4. Peak Organisations

Peak organisations always have a range of events, resources and reports to inform the sector about the key issues and trends.

Here are a few of the peak organisations:

ACOSS – Australian Council of Social Service
Community Council For Australia
LASA – Leading Aged Services Australia
ACSA – Aged & Community Services Australia

5. Research Reports

There are a variety of research reports published about the NFP sector. Here are some great reports to begin with:

Contribution of the NFP Sector
2017 NFP Governance and Performance Study: Building long term strength
McCrindle Research
WA’s NFP Sector 2017: The First Report on Charities and Other NFPs in WA

 

SPECIAL OFFER: Let me guide you through the Board Ignition course!

If you sign up to the Board Ignition online course before the 3rd November, you’ll gain access to 4 live webinars to discuss the 8 modules of the course and answer all your questions about boards, leadership and the NFP sector.

If you really want to gain a board position in 2018, come join us for the ultimate accountability to participate and complete the online course!

Here are the details:

  • 4 webinars will be held Thursdays, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th November from 6 – 7pm WST
  • All calls will be recorded and be made available on the members portal

You must sign up any time BEFORE 3rd November 2017 to be eligible for the live webinars.

Go here right now to register and join us! 

 

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Increasing women on football club boards

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There is no doubt – this has been the year of Women in AFL Football!

It’s not been without it’s challenges, but how exciting has it been to see the professional women’s competition begin this year. And along with it has been a groundswell of girls getting involved in football.

A few weeks ago, I got to work with the women in Football group at the WA Football Commission. Most of the women served on the boards of football clubs. The group included women on WAFL clubs, AFL clubs and the WA Football Commission itself. Many of them were the only female on their board.

The workshop I facilitated was about strategies to engage and recruit more women onto these boards. It was a dynamic and inspiring discussion of both the challenges and the opportunities. As part of my research for the workshop, I put out a simple linkedin post:

I’m researching for an upcoming workshop I’m facilitating – Any WA women in my networks keen to sit on a football club board?

One of the ‘excuses’ that’s often proffered by the lack of women on football club boards is that ‘I can’t find any women that are interested!’. Well that was definitely not the case with my linkedin post! I have 20 women – just in my networks – that said they were keen to sit on a football club board!

Given the huge focus on diversity in football at the moment, for example the introduction of the new AFL Women’s League and the development of the multicultural and indigenous footballers, this is a perfect opportunity to focus on diversifying the boards to become more reflective of the competition it serves as well as be better abled to meet the strategic and governance challenges through diversity of perspective.

Wouldn’t it be great to flood Football club board member elections with female candidates seeking election? Let’s change the outlook and culture on football boards and show them women are interested!

What are the pathways onto a football club board?

If you are keen to serve on a football club board, here are 6 steps to take.

1. Research what type of football club you would be best to serve

If you follow a football club already then this could be really easy! If not, you’ve got Amateurs, WA Women’s Football League, WAFL, Football Development Councils both Regional and District, WA Country Football League, AFL clubs and the WA Football Commission. Here is the 2016 Annual report for the WAFC for more information about football in Western Australia.

2. Become a football club member

If you’re not already a member, you will need to start by joining a club. This gives you voting rights at AGM Board elections and also gives you an opportunity to nominate too!

3. Clarify your value

Board directors need to add value to the club. What skills and experience do you bring? Get really clear about the value you can provide. It could be financial skills, risk and audit, marketing, sponsorship, communications, governance, legal or game development. Find out what board committees are hosted as you might be able to serve on a committee first.

4. Get known

As you will need to be elected through a members vote, it’s important to get known within a club. Attend club games and events, get involved in a committee, meet the current board directors and share your interest to serve on the board. Invest in building relationships with those currently on the board.

5. Find a mentor

Once you’ve met a few current board directors, reach out to someone who resonates most with you and ask if they would be willing to mentor or sponsor you, to support your journey onto a football club board.

6. NOMINATE for a board position!

Put your hat in the ring! Don’t be disappointed if it takes you a couple of nominations to get involved on a board. That’s what it’s all about!

If you’re in WA and keen to hear more about the Women in Football events, you can reach out to Kerry Harris who works at the WAFC .  If you’re in the eastern states of Australia, you can reach out to Michelle Redfern, who is a Director of Williamstown Football Club and does some exceptional work in advancing women in sport.

Meet #womeninfootball on club boards

Meet some of the women already serving on football club boards

Sue Murphy
Director, Fremantle Dockers

1.  Why did you get involved in a football club board?

I have always been a footy tragic and I think the role of sport to align and invigorate communities is huge so I was delighted to get the opportunity to put something back by taking on a Board role.

2. Can you give me a snapshot of the decisions/activities are you involved with as a board director?

This is a really critical time for AFL clubs in WA right now with the move to the new Perth Stadium. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make the game day experience wonderful and to develop a new set of gameday rituals and traditions. (plus have easy access to things like toilets and great food and beverage options!) Freo have also moved from our old club facilities to the new Cockburn ARC which gives us access to the best training facilities in Australia but also a unique chance to integrate with the local community in everything we do.
We also have the inaugural WA women’s team with all the excitement that generates. It has been incredible to be part of the groundswell of support for this and to see the explosion in numbers of girls signing on to be par of grassroots footy.

3. What strategies would you recommend to others interested in serving on a football club board?

Get involved. Volunteer, be passionate.
You get what you give!

Renee Hardman
Vice President, Peel Thunder Football Club

1.  Why did you get involved in a football club board? 

I was approached by the then President of Peel Thunder Football Club  nearly 7 years to see if I had any interest in becoming more involved in the running of the club. He was looking for more diversity on the board and also knew that I had some expertise in Marketing and networking. I had been a sponsor, member and contributor since the clubs inception, so it seemed a natural transition for me.

2.  Can you give me a snapshot of the decisions/activities are you involved with as a board director?

I am currently the Vice President of the Board and still the only women on the Board with a group of amazing men. I head up the Commercial Operations, Marketing and Membership Committees.

I help where I can with our major fundraisers being the Banquet Auction, Golf Day (which I am major sponsor). I attend every function I can (96%) so our members can see we are committed to the club. I make a point along with my colleagues of knowing every sponsors name, greeting each and every one of them when they are at the club and making every person member or non member feel welcome and wanted. I help the heads of the departments of marketing, Comm Ops and Membership (which are also women) with strategies to attract new business, new members and also help with computer, database and social media issues they may have, these being my strengths as well.

3. What strategies would you recommend to others interested in serving on a football club board?

I think it would be a wise thing to know how budgets, spreadsheets and forecasts work, having a business background with knowledge of how to run a business. I would find out what skill set they are looking for to improve the diversity of the board, the number of hours it is going to take up, the values and vision of the club, to make sure it marries up with your own.

Spend some time at the club, get to know the members as they are the people who are going to vote you onto the board.  Above all make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons!!! It is about the good of the club, its people, members and footballers. Too many times I have experienced people joining for their own ego and benefit and not interested in contributing – the passion is not there.

 

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Age diversity on local council

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There is no denying it.  We are in desperate need of more diversity on Local Councils –  age, gender, culture, education and industry.  We need people like you to consider running!  With Local Council Elections looming next month, NOW is the time to nominate yourself for your own Local Council.

Who wouldn’t want to have their say in developing their own local community?

Here are two shining examples of young, creative professionals who have put themselves forward for Council, hopefully giving you the inspiration and encouragement to put your name forward too!

Meet Rhys Williams who is running for Mayor of Mandurah

Rhys is no stranger to Local Government having served previously as a Local Councillor, leading a key community organisation in the area and serving on a number of community organisation boards.

Why did you get involved in Local Council?

Initially, I probably got involved not really knowing what I was getting myself into, but it was driven by this idea that if communities are going to reflect the needs of the people who live within them, then the decision making has to reflect the people who live within them.
Diversity in our Councils is a key part of ensuring we have strong communities, so it is important that a cross section of people sit in the Council chamber.

 

Can you give me a snapshot of the decisions/activities are you involved with as a Local Councillor?

I was 21 when I was elected to Council, and knew little of the ways of Local Government. I think in some ways this, eventually, was an asset because I didn’t go into it with a jaded view of things.
I worked hard first the first two years on just trying to learn as much as I could across a really broad range of portfolios. This made all the difference.  I think because it gave me an opportunity to arrive at my areas of passion from a wide view.
 
I found my place in the community development and sustainability areas of Council and spent my time working to really identify new ways of approaching how we build strong and sustainable communities.  Some of the stuff we came up with worked, some of it didn’t, but it was a privilege to be part of it, and I learnt a heap along the way.

 

What’s your three top strategies to get elected onto Local Council?

1. Don’t be someone that you aren’t. I think the problem with politics today is a lack of authenticity.  Just be you.  People have great BS metres!
 
2.  Don’t tell everyone what you think they want to hear.  Go out and listen to people, really gain insight, and try to understand the lens in which they see the world.  I think that line ‘people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care’ is worth keeping in mind.
3.  Contact people who you admire and ask them for help.  None of us have all the answers, and by asking for help we not only benefit from the wisdom of others but also build our support networks along the way.

 

You can find out more about Rhys’ campaign here and if you’re based in Mandurah – send a vote his way!

 

Meet Jennifer Ammons Noble,

Local Councillor for the Town of Victoria Park

Why did you get involved in Local Council?

I got involved in local council because I really love the community I have lived in for the last fifteen years, and I wanted to be more involved in shaping what the Town would be like in the future. When I started my family I spent more time at home in ‘hood and at the local parks talking to other community members. I realised how much our community was changing, and gaining momentum as a diverse, connected inner city suburb. I saw being on Council as a type of community service –a chance to help shape our future community in a positive way and a way that I could give back to the neighbourhood that I enjoyed living in everyday.

Can you give me a snapshot of the decisions/activities are you involved with as a Local Councillor?

Probably one of the most interesting processes I have been involved in to date was our community’s development of the strategic community plan. It’s a synthesis of extensive, authentic dialogue with the community and sets out the long-term, big picture aspirations and priorities for the community into the next decade.

I find there are a surprisingly wide range of decisions/types of work that local government deals with –everything from policy on things like sponsorships and leases, to looking at strategies for revenue diversification, ways to support community groups, planning issues, events and activations.

What’s your three top strategies to get elected onto Local Council?

I’m not sure I have any top strategies for being elected to Council. For me having conversations with residents and stakeholders who were positive and active in the community was probably the most helpful. Keeping a dialogue with those individuals who are genuinely interested-in and invested-in growing community was and is still incredibly beneficial to helping me better understand my community.

Jennifer is not up for re-election next month.

 

Does this interest you?

You can check out this webinar recording about the role of a Local Councillor here.

OR get nominating here!

Of course, if you’re keen to serve on a Not for Profit but not sure which one or how, check out the Board Ignition online course.

 

Hot tip to get a board appointment

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Many people ask me…

  • What networking events should I attend to meet board directors?
  • How do I learn more about the NFP sector? and
  • How can I understand more about board governance?

Well I’ve got ONE suggestion for an event that answers all three questions above!

All NFPs (associations) have this event and most will host this event every year (many will run them Aug/Sept/Oct every year).

Have you guessed what it is yet?

It’s an Annual General Meeting or AGM!

Now what’s your first thought when you hear the word AGM? Boring? Pass? Or something similar?

Trust me, I’ve been to my fair share of yawn worthy AGMs but to be honest, I’ve also been to AGMs where the organisation has at least tried to be interesting.  Some organisations will try and have their AGMs done in 30 minutes flat and other organisations involve lunch and a keynote speaker.

BUT…

What is one of the main orders of business at an AGM?  Board nominations and elections!

Who attends AGMs?  Board directors!

So AGMs can be a very interesting place to network, observe and learn.  There will usually be copies of the Annual Report where you can read about the achievements of the last year and plans for the future. You might also learn more about the organisation’s constitution such as what’s the objectives of the organisation, who can be a member, who can be a board director and how are board directors voted in.

So what AGMs can you attend?

  • Think about all the organisations of which you are a member of such as community organisations, industry associations, member-based organisations or sporting clubs.  You should receive notice of the upcoming AGM as a member.
  • Think about organisations you could become a member.  Once you are a member, you will receive the newsletters, invitations to events and you will have the opportunity to vote in the board elections.
  • Some organisations may open their AGMs to the public and you will be able to observe the proceedings such as peak bodies. These events are great as they may have CEOs and board directors of a number of organisations attending.

With AGM season looming for many organisations, get yourself to a few and see what happens!

 

Want more ideas about how to find your first board appointment?

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What’s the biggest barrier holding you back from boards?

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Having coached many young professionals seeking board positions, I can tell you the biggest barrier holding many people back….and no it’s not their skills, their networks, their experience or their education.

What is it?

It’s their own personal belief that they have no value to give.

I can’t tell you how many people tell me they are worried they might not bring enough value to the boardroom.

I admire their humility and it is often the most amazing leaders who show this humility too!

How common is this?

In the Board Ignition online course, I have interviewed some super experienced directors from around Australia.  I wasn’t surprised to hear that Dr Sue van Leeuwen had also experienced this hesitation by prospective board directors.  By the way, Dr Sue van Leeuwen is an inspiring business and community leader with 25 years experience on a range for boards.

Listen to her articulate the problem and what she suggests to aspiring board directors.

So as Sue says, say yes!  Be aware, connected and interested.

Ask questions, do your homework AND get ready to learn and work hard!

Board directorships can be the BEST leadership learning experiences”

So how do you overcome feelings of self doubt?

1. Clarify what you bring to the table

In the Board Ignition online course, we have a process to understand your board value proposition.  This includes your professional skills, networks, education, passions and strengths.  We do a lot of thinking about the value you bring, so it’s clarified in your own mind, it’s easy to communicate this to a prospective board and once you get onto a board, you can begin being a proactive board director from day one!

2. Surround yourself with the right people

Ask experienced board directors or mentors for feedback on your skills and what you can do to become highly valued in the board room.  Most of the time, it’s easier for other people to see the value that we can offer so having a mentor highlight this for you is priceless!

3. Do the work

Yes you may have value to offer but you might need a little work to connect all the dots!! Learn more about the Not for Profit sector, board governance and board leadership.  Develop your network and build your own self awareness about how you are perceived in teams.

Don’t let a lack of confidence get in the way of your board journey.

 

Are you ready for your first Board appointment?

Check out our Board Ignition online course – a 8-module self paced online course designed to fast track your journey to your first board appointment.

Enrol now to get instant access to the course.

Still got questions? Read the course information page here.