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Igniting Leaders, Inspiring Revolutions

Boards

8 signs you’re ready to join a NFP Board

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Are you ready to join a NFP board?

It’s time to step it up! You might have a burning desire to change the world for the better. You might want to put your leadership and teamwork skills to the ultimate test. Or you know it’s time to use your voice for the good of others and the community.
Quite literally, the experience of contributing to a board can be life-changing!

When you can connect to a deeper purpose in life, one that’s above personal gain, fame, or fortune – something that truly means something and makes a difference – it’s a game-changer. Serving on a board gives you the opportunity to make an immense difference. It also broadens your networks and creates deep and long lasting relationships. Not to mention the opportunity to learn SO many new skills at the same time! It really can be one of the best leadership development opportunities you can come by.

But it’s a huge decision! How do you know when it’s the right time to jump in?

Here are eight signs that it could be the right time for you to join a NFP Board.

1. You have the time and energy to commit to a board

First things first – do you have the time to truly commit? Some people are surprised at how much time and effort a board position can take. And you don’t want to take on a board role only to find that you don’t have the time to really give it your best.
So how long do you need? Do you have 5 – 15 hours per month to contribute to a board position?

This time could include board meetings, sub-committee meetings, annual strategy sessions, leadership responsibilities, representing the organisation at external events, as well as social activities where you represent the board internally. Ensure you have the time to give!

2. You are ready to work effectively with others to fulfill the mission of the organisation.

As a board, you will work closely with other board members to fulfil the mission of the organisation. You will want to check out who is serving on the board before you accept any position. Because you’ll be working pretty closely together!

Truth time!

Are you an effective team player who communicates well with others, shows emotional intelligence in the boardroom, and can lead sub-committees or volunteers to work on aspects of the organisation? You might want to get some critical feedback and ways to improve before you hit the boardroom.

FREE 3-Day Board Confidence Challenge Waitlist

Build the confidence to step into your first NFP Board Position and become the leader (and advocate for change!) you want to be in your community & the world.

The next round of the challenge is coming up soon! Join the waitlist to be the first to know when the challenge is running again!
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Boardroom behaviours are so important when you are working in short spaces of time e.g board meetings! Leaving egos at the door and working effectively with others (however different to you) is a MUST!

3. You’ve done your due diligence

What does due diligence even mean? Simply put, it’s the research or investigation you do before commiting to something to avoid any trouble. So in a board context, you want to ensure the organisation has the appropriate insurances, is registered with the appropriate bodies, and is financially solvent!

Do you know the right questions to ask before accepting a position? Have you done your own research about the board and organisation?

Reading the annual report, checking the finances of the organisation, and understanding the brand/history of the organisation is a MUST. And this could be just the start of your due diligence. You want to make sure the organisation is suitable before signing up as a board director.

4. You understand your responsibilities as a board director

The best board members understand the unique role the board plays within an organisation – strategy, governance, financial oversight, compliance, risk management, etc. It’s nose in, fingers out! This means you have to have a good understanding of what is going on in the organisation without getting involved in the details.

Perhaps you need to educate yourself about the roles of governance before stepping up? Do you understand the difference between the board and management of a community organisation? Are you sure of the liabilities that you take on?

Having a thorough understanding of what’s expected of you as a director is integral. It will give you peace of mind knowing you are fulfilling the role appropriately.

5. You understand the board’s expectations of you

Most boards will have some type of recruitment process that may include a position description. This will outline the key expectations of the role in terms of hours, skills, and knowledge preferred or required and the meeting schedule. This is a great starting point, and you may have further questions about the cultural fit between you and the board too.

You might also want to explore YOUR expectations and the type of experience you are expecting. Are you looking for a formal board role? Something more relaxed and grassroots? Do you like the excitement of a start-up or are you interested in contributing to a more established organisation?

It’s definitely best to have these conversations before joining any board!

6. You understand the NFP sector landscape including the current challenges and opportunities

It’s called the third sector for a reason – Not-for-profits are different to the corporate and government sectors!
If you have not been involved in the NFP sector, it’s time to do your research and read up!

Reading NFP publications, attending conferences and events, and understanding the broader trends that affect mission-based organisations are good strategies for being an effective board member. There are also online blogs, LinkedIN groups, and peak organisations to improve your NFP knowledge.

Boards are looking for directors who have their finger on the pulse, who can identify the key trends, and translate that back to the organisation.

7. You understand your own value proposition and what you can contribute

You need to be really clear about what you offer. What value do you bring to the table?

And it actually takes a fair amount of self awareness to understand the value that you provide and be able to effectively communicate it. Sometimes people might know the value that they can bring but can’t articulate it very well at a networking event or through their board resume.

Your board value may include your skills and expertise. But it could also include your networks, your lived experience, or your ability to step into leadership roles down the track e.g Sub Committee Chair or Board Secretary.

8. You’ve found an organisation that aligns with your purpose and values

In your search, you will want to do the mission test.

Do you wholeheartedly believe in the mission of the organisation and picture yourself standing as a proud ambassador for the organisation?

This is the mission test!

The richness comes from finding an organisation whose mission aligns with your purpose and values. That means you have to know what your own purpose and values are to find that right fit for you.

This is worth the time and effort because when you find a board and organisation that truly aligns with your own purpose and values, the energy and reward you feel for your contribution will make the time and work all worthwhile!

How did you go?

I know what you’re thinking!

There is much work to be done before signing up to be a board director.

Boards are looking for directors who understand the above and are ready to fully commit to the term of the board. When all the stars align, you will know you’re onto a winner!

Now over to you: How many of the above do you feel comfortable with? Which areas do you need to improve before you’re ready to join a NFP board?

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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