What Motivates You?

So you want to be a board member … Why? 

Your answer to this question may be very simple - perhaps you were asked and just didn't know how to say no. Or it might be as profound as a deep sense of personal mission.

People come to boards of directors from many different backgrounds and get involved for a diversity of reasons.  Your motivations and goals will influence your expectations and your effectiveness in carrying out your roles and responsibilities. Before you commit to the board, it is therefore important that you and the organization are aware of your motivations and objectives.  This will ensure that your motives are compatible with the organization, and that the board can help you to fulfill your goals.

It is common for board members to join without a clear awareness of the goals and expectations they have for their involvement. Have a look at some frequent reasons people volunteer for a board to help you to identify your personal motivations.

People often join boards for reasons such as these.

Your motivations give you and the organization clues as to the kinds of board assignments you will find most rewarding. For example, if one of your goals is to advance your social standing, then perhaps a highly visible position on the public relations committee would be appropriate. If you are hoping to gain knowledge and skills in non-profit finances, then you could sign up with the finance committee and perhaps eventually become the organization's treasurer.

Most people have more than one reason for becoming or remaining involved on a board of directors.  While there are few “wrong” reasons for board participation, the best reasons usually involve a balance of altruism (like a desire to give back to the community) and personal or mutual benefit (like building leadership skills).

In examining your motivation, it is important not only to think about why you are volunteering on a board, but also to consider your reasons for volunteering with this board.  Examine your impetus for volunteering with this cause generally and this organization specifically.

Your initial motivation for your board involvement is likely to change over time.  Perhaps you originally got involved to offer your expertise in a particular field.  Later, you might remain involved because you have developed a deep commitment to the cause, having witnessed the effectiveness of the organization’s services.  Given the evolving nature of your inspiration, it is important to reexamine your motivations and objectives over time, and express those to the organization.  This will allow you and the organization to identify challenging and rewarding opportunities for you to continue to contribute.

To further examine your motivations for joining or staying on the board, go to the motivations and goals exercise.

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