How to Equip and Guide Members for Success

Yesterday, we explored how to delegate responsibilities and inaugurate committees effectively. Today, we move forward by discussing an essential topic—empowering and equipping your board members to succeed. Delegation alone is not enough. How do you ensure that these individuals and committees follow through on their tasks and achieve the desired results? The answer lies in empowering them with the tools, resources, and guidance they need to thrive.

Step 1: Equip Your Board Members with the Right Tools

Delegating tasks is only the first step. To set your board members up for success, you must provide them with the necessary tools and resources. For instance, if you’re asking a board member to introduce your organization to their network, give them a well-crafted message or fundraising appeal that they can easily share. Don’t leave them to figure it out on their own—people often fail to act when they lack the tools or know-how to proceed.

Having everything prepared for them—a clear message, structured tools, and guidance—ensures that they have what they need to be effective. Whether it’s networking, fundraising, or building partnerships, equipping your board members with these assets increases the likelihood of them following through and delivering results.

Step 2: Onboard Your Board Members for Execution

Equipping your board members with tools is important, but equally vital is showing them how to use these resources effectively. Onboarding them means familiarizing them with the tools and providing step-by-step guidance.

For example, a fundraising appeal isn’t always the first thing you send out. You might need a series of preliminary messages before you can make the ask. Board members may also need to understand how to navigate a directory of potential donors or supporters. By taking the time to onboard them and walk them through the execution process, you ensure that they’re not just equipped but also competent in using the resources you provide.

Step 3: Train Them for Success

Onboarding introduces your board members to the tools, but training takes things a step further. Training teaches them how to execute tasks more efficiently and with greater confidence. For instance, if a board member is responsible for negotiating corporate funding, they might need training on how to present the organization’s needs or how to close a deal.

Even board members who are experts in one field—like marketing—might not have specific expertise in areas like fundraising. Through proper training, you can bridge those gaps and ensure that they’re fully prepared to represent and advocate for your organization.

Step 4: Recruit Volunteers and Stakeholders

Board members shouldn’t have to carry the burden of their responsibilities alone. Once you’ve inaugurated committees, consider recruiting volunteers, stakeholders, or even staff to support them. Volunteers can handle the heavy lifting, allowing board members to focus on strategy and oversight.

Bringing in stakeholders who are experts in specific fields, such as curriculum development for an education-focused organization, can also help committees achieve better results. The key is providing board members with the support they need, so they can maximize their impact without becoming overwhelmed.

Step 5: Position Board Members in Leadership Roles

Empower your board members by positioning them in leadership roles within their committees. By assigning them as committee chairs, you give them the authority to drive initiatives and report directly to the board. This structure allows for smoother communication and ensures that the committee’s work aligns with the board’s overall objectives.

When board members take on leadership roles, they also become more invested in the success of their committees and the organization as a whole.

Step 6: Provide Ongoing Support and Follow-Up

Delegation doesn’t mean abandoning your board members to figure things out on their own. While you should delegate fully, it’s crucial to provide ongoing support and follow-up. Check in with board members regularly—ask them what additional help they need or what obstacles they are facing in fulfilling their responsibilities.

By offering this support, you reinforce your commitment to their success and make it more likely that they’ll follow through on their tasks. Continuous communication, especially from the CEO or board chair, ensures that board members feel supported and accountable.

A Final Thought on Success: Set Clear Expectations

Lastly, always set clear expectations for your board members. Without specific goals to strive for, they won’t have a clear sense of what’s expected of them. By setting expectations upfront, you create a framework for success and accountability, ensuring that your board members stay focused and on track.

Tomorrow, we’ll dive into another critical piece of the puzzle—how to build accountability systems to ensure that your board members follow through on their commitments. Empowerment is essential, but without accountability, even the most well-equipped board members may falter. Stay tuned as we explore how to lock in success for your organization.

Rooney Akpesiri is the VP of Client Services, Solutions Matter LLC