“Why do people join a board?”
A close colleague asked me this several years ago and, on its surface, it doesn’t seem like a deep probe. But my answer to his question and our discussion that followed stick with me years later. It wasn’t as easy of an answer as I imagined, and it can be an entry point to an introspective conversation.
I would give a different answer today than I did then- and I have found that it does reveal a more personal and insightful look into one’s philanthropy. That question is now one of many lines of inquiry that I use to help break down assumptions, identify learning areas, and discover key influences and motivations with new clients.
When I left Bethany House to start QCI it was important to find a way to stay actively engaged in the issues I am passionate about. As a board member for two years with UpSpring, the Fatherhood Project and the Ken Anderson Alliance- I wanted to share a bit about why I joined each of these great organizations and reflect on the impact my philanthropy has had on me.
