When Board Orientation Should Take Place

I am sometimes amazed when organizations try to conduct board orientation.  One non-profit I know, whose year fiscal year starts January 1, has had its orientation as late as June.  That is not helpful to new board members.  So if at all possible, for the benefit of everyone, hold your orientation before the first board meeting. An orientation or conversation is no good after the first or second meeting occurs. Of course, having an orientation in some fashion later is better than never having it at all, but carving out purposeful time before the work begins is important. 

I, like most other board members, seem to find my tenure starting normally about January 1, which means that you may have to take some time during the holidays or right after the first of the year to conduct a proper board orientation.   And if possible, it should not take place right before the first board meeting of the year as a matter of “convenience.”  

A proper board orientation covers a great deal of information that must be digested prior to the first official board meeting. Take the time to plan and communicate accordingly.   If your board meeting is the second or third week of January, conducting the meeting in February will not be helpful.

So, keep in mind, planning and communication are key.  You must get new board members’ time, travel plans, and accounting for personal and business needs aligned to ensure you account for the appropriate amount of time for your board orientation before the real work begins.