5 Essential Qualities of an Effective Board Member
A solid board consists of great and qualified board members. It is the qualities of each individual board member that determines whether or not a board can operate successfully.  But what makes a person fit to sit as a member of a healthcare organization’s board of directors?

Here are the critical qualities of an effective board member:

1. Dedicated and Committed

Being a board member requires a high level of dedication and commitment to responsibilities that extends beyond attending board meetings regularly. Effective board members bring a lot to the table and maintain and unwavering interest to the achieve the goals of the organization.

2. Able to lead and influence others

An excellent member of the board has the ability to lead and influence others to pursue the goals of the organization. He or she has the spirit and drive to set direction in order to fulfill the institution’s business goals.

3. Straightforward and impartial

An effective board member brings candor to board meetings. He is able to engage other board members in discussions and debates without being arrogant or disrespectful. He is objective and impartial and has the ability to the effectively drive a point across without making things personal. A good member of the board will not hesitate to ask the hard questions for the constituents that the board servess

4. Knowledgeable and an insatiable learner

A member of the board should be knowledgeable about the organization and its culture, operations, mission, and vision, the roles and responsibilities of the board as well as the principles of good governance. Aside from that, he or she has an insatiable desire to learn and seek personal and professional development.

5. Values discretion and confidentiality

Trustworthiness is an essential trait of a board member. Board discussions and meetings are confidential and each member should be able to manifest discretion at all times. He or she should always support the decision of the board when speaking in behalf of the organization.