The Ultimate Board Member's Book: A 1-hour Guide to Understanding and Fulfilling Your Role and Responsibilities

by Kay Sprinkel Grace

Here is a book for all • Those wanting to operate with maximum effectiveness • Those needing to clarify exactly what their job is • Those wanting to ensure that all members — novice and veteran — are ‘on the same page’ with respect to their role and responsibilities Kay Sprinkel Grace’s new work will take your board members only one hour to read, and yet they’ll come away from The Ultimate Board Member’s Book with a firm command of just what they need to do to help your organization succeed. It’s all here in jargon-free how boards work, what the job entails, the time commitment involved, the role of staff, serving on committees and task forces, fundraising responsibilities, conflicts of interest, group decision-making, effective recruiting, de-enlisting board members, board self-evaluation, and more. In sum, everything a board member needs to know to understand their role and serve capably is explored. Real world, not theoretical, concrete not abstract, The Ultimate Board Member's Book focuses on issues and concerns that all board members will inevitably face and grapple with. This enlightening one-hour read is THE book to which nonprofit organizations in America turn to hone the skills and effectiveness of their boards.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Leadership

111 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief but useful as an overview and reference for many aspects of board service.

[Harvey McKinnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been on 15 boards over the last four decades, volunteering for many other nonprofits, and working as a professional fundraiser. Despite my experience, I learned a lot from her book. You will, too. This book will be incredibly valuable for board members. And perhaps, as importantly, for any nonprofit staff members who work with boards.

Kay expertly distills the essentials of effective board membership into an engaging and concise guide, for new board members and experienced leaders who need to reinvigorate their organizations. The chapter on governance alone makes it worth buying. And there's 40 more.

I've seen Kay speak many times over the years. She's one of the most talented practitioners in the profession, a great clear thinker who leads with her heart and values. You can feel that in this book, and that enhances its value considerably.

The practical advice is actionable and inspirational, covering topics from understanding board roles and responsibilities to fundraising and strategic planning. Kay's accessible writing style makes complex concepts easy to understand.

I treasure my print copy of this book, and was delighted to listen to the audio version. We are lucky to have Kay share her immense knowledge with all of us.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick read. Very basic. Good. I was curious if it would be a good book to hand out to my board. I am not sure it is worth the $25/book for such a basic read (expensive), but might be great for people who have never served on a board. I was able to pull some ideas out of it towards planning content to present in a board meeting and I think that might be more effective than buying 16 books that might end up sitting on a shelf. You never know if someone will read a book that you give them.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short read on what to expect out of serving on a Board.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read, basic info, great for those new to serving on a Board.

[Paul Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done. Tons of awesome advice, neatly presented in 2-page bites. Straight to the point and very relatable.

[Bonnie Limbird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clear, concise and succinct book of bullet points to guide you through most general aspects of nonprofit board membership.
Tidbits:
Philanthropy is the easing of human suffering or the enhancement of human potential.
Development is uncovering shared values between people and organizations.

[Elly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book. It should be mandatory for every type of board experience. Even great for wonderful staff who support them!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very basic book on being a board member. I just joined my first board of directors and I found some of the information useful and some of it obvious, but overall a good book for first time directors.

[Mitchell Rubin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could use an update to incorporate the increasing use of electronic communication and even remote attendance.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good intro / overview. Read it in less than one hour.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

READ JAN 2015

Compact, quick read. Excellent for board members serving non-profit organizations. Also a good primer for other board leaders.