Next Gen Board Members

I recently had a request from some colleagues of mine about research on Next Gen Board Members. I found a few articles from CompassPoint and BoardSource which I found really useful. I also was able to pull out an excerpt from my research, Preparing the Path to Leadership, although it wasn't an exact fit. Clearly we need to have more discussion as a sector about engaging emerging leaders at the board level.

There has been a great deal of focus in the sector about the leadership "crisis" which has been primarily focused on Executive Directors. We should be focusing more on incorporating emerging leaders on boards of directors. Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, Resource Generation, and more are comprised primarily by emerging leaders. There are some nonprofits out there who may have a next gen board member scattered here and there, but how do we make this a priority and why is it a priority?

Why?

• We need to develop our next gen leadership! What a great way to share knowledge and bring some innovation to boards? Emerging leaders have knowledge to impart and seasoned leaders can share their lessons.
  
• This brings diversity to your board. So many nonprofits right now are focused on increasing their board diversity as a way to leverage new ideas and serve their stakeholders better. Age is just one component of diversity that boards can look at to bring in fresh perspectives.
  
• One word of caution: do not look to recruiting one, token, emerging leader to your board; no one wants to be token-ised! Continue to find sustainable strategies that incorporate this approach as a value, not a passing trend.
  

How?

• By positioning your organization both internally and extrenally as one that is welcoming to next gen board members, you automatically increase your likelihood of success. This means walking your talk and reaching out to local networks such as YNPN.
  
• Gain buy-in from current board members about the focus to recruit emerging talent. As with any transition, there will be some board members who will leave, some who will stay but remain skeptical, and others who will be strong advocates. Work closely with those advocates to leverage support from other board members.
  
• Read about trends in emerging leadership. EDA Consulting has a web page entirely devoted to emerging leaders.
• Ask yourself if your board and organization are prepared for next gen leadership - if you are not hire a consultant or work with local advisors who can help you determine how to get there.
  
• Post board openings on networks where emerging leaders visit: YNPN, Idealist.org, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more!
• Stay connected with local next gen networks to keep up to date about trends.
• Learn about what has worked well for boards like YNPN and incorporate those practices.
  

Stay tuned for more information posted on the EDA Consulting website and list serv. Here are a few more resources for now:

• Blue Avocado
• Developing Visionary Leaders
• Finding Their Voice
  
• Next Generation Leaders Inspire Entire Board
• Social Enterprise Program: Nonprofit Board Leadership Program

Your Turn...

Has your organization engaged Next Gen leadership either accidentally or strategically? What questions fo you have about Next Gen board members? Share your thoughts and best practices here.