I know you're busy, but here's something you might want to add to your plate, because the payback could be well worth the extra time:
Serve on another nonprofit's board.
I realize that might sound about as attractive as watching the paint dry on someone else's house. But there are some great reasons to consider it, as pointed by the Fundraising Coach, at Work in a nonprofit? Then join a board.
Here's what joining a board can do for you:
- It will help you understand your own board members.
- It will help you see what “reports” aren’t helpful.
- It will help you see why seemingly arbitrary decisions are made by your nonprofit’s board.
And you'll find that seeing the challenges all nonprofits face in a context different from your own, you'll equip yourself with more knowledge and perspective.
You'll be more tuned in to the way your own board thinks and acts. You'll improve your ability to communicate with them.
Beyond that, you can be of real service to another organization. Your perspective as a nonprofit professional will be incredibly useful to them.
Small (and not-so-small) organizations are typically always on the lookout for people to serve on their boards. You can find one pretty easily.
You might even have a great time.
