The best candidates for your board of directors should be those who are committed to the purpose of the organization and are willing to commit time. Do not select someone based on whether they’re a family member or friend. The process of selecting a board member must be thorough. You should research their background, request references and conduct a conflict of interest review to ensure that you’re choosing the right people to help your business grow and prosper.

Board members should have previous experience in the industry, and be able to apply their knowledge to assist the board with making informed decisions. They should also be forward-thinking and be able to challenge status established. Boards must be balanced – you don’t want a board that’s too heavy on visionaries and doesn’t have enough execution specialists.

The ideal board member should have previous experience on other boards, but this is not always the case. If they don’t have any board experience, you need to think about the other boards they are on and what their responsibilities are. Too many boards can result in burnout or a lack of focus.

Some leaders make the mistake of surrounding themselves with “yes-people”. They choose only those who agree with their decisions and do not ever. This can be dangerous for the capital of investors, the employees’ well-being and the future of their businesses. To ensure your company’s success it is essential to promote lively discussions and introduce new perspectives.

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