Questions to Ask Board Members About Engagement
Strategic questions that help you understand board member engagement levels, identify improvement opportunities, and strengthen governance effectiveness.
1What aspects of our board meetings do you find most valuable, and what would make them even more effective?
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What aspects of our board meetings do you find most valuable, and what would make them even more effective?
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Why this works
Reveals their perception of meeting value and identifies specific areas for improvement in board processes.
2How well do you feel you understand our organization's current challenges and strategic priorities?
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How well do you feel you understand our organization's current challenges and strategic priorities?
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Why this works
Tests their level of engagement with organizational issues and reveals potential knowledge gaps.
3What additional information or resources would help you be more effective in your board role?
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What additional information or resources would help you be more effective in your board role?
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Why this works
Identifies specific support needs and reveals what would enhance their contribution to governance.
4How would you rate the quality of communication between board members and management, and what could improve it?
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How would you rate the quality of communication between board members and management, and what could improve it?
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Why this works
Assesses communication effectiveness and reveals specific barriers to effective governance dialogue.
5What topics or areas would you like to spend more time discussing in board meetings?
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What topics or areas would you like to spend more time discussing in board meetings?
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Why this works
Reveals their interests and priorities while identifying potential gaps in board agenda coverage.
6How comfortable do you feel asking challenging questions or expressing dissenting views during board discussions?
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How comfortable do you feel asking challenging questions or expressing dissenting views during board discussions?
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Why this works
Tests psychological safety and reveals whether the board culture encourages open dialogue and critical thinking.
7What would make you more excited to attend and participate in board meetings?
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What would make you more excited to attend and participate in board meetings?
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Why this works
Identifies motivational factors and reveals what would increase their engagement and enthusiasm.
8How well do you feel the board is leveraging your specific expertise and background?
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How well do you feel the board is leveraging your specific expertise and background?
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Why this works
Tests whether the organization is effectively utilizing their skills and reveals potential underutilized resources.
9What would help you feel more connected to the organization's mission and impact?
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What would help you feel more connected to the organization's mission and impact?
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Why this works
Reveals their emotional connection to the work and identifies ways to strengthen their commitment.
10How satisfied are you with the board's decision-making process, and what would make it more effective?
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How satisfied are you with the board's decision-making process, and what would make it more effective?
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Why this works
Assesses governance quality and reveals specific improvements needed in board processes.
11What additional training or development opportunities would be valuable for board members?
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What additional training or development opportunities would be valuable for board members?
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Why this works
Identifies learning needs and reveals their commitment to continuous improvement in governance skills.
12How well do you feel the board is addressing the organization's most critical risks and opportunities?
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How well do you feel the board is addressing the organization's most critical risks and opportunities?
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Why this works
Tests their strategic awareness and reveals whether the board is focused on the right priorities.
13What would make you more likely to recommend this board position to other qualified candidates?
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What would make you more likely to recommend this board position to other qualified candidates?
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Why this works
Reveals their overall satisfaction and identifies what would make the board experience more attractive.
14How effectively do you feel the board is holding management accountable for performance and results?
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How effectively do you feel the board is holding management accountable for performance and results?
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Why this works
Tests governance oversight effectiveness and reveals whether accountability mechanisms are working.
15What additional time or commitment would you be willing to make if it would significantly improve board effectiveness?
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What additional time or commitment would you be willing to make if it would significantly improve board effectiveness?
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Why this works
Reveals their commitment level and identifies what additional engagement they're willing to provide.
16How well do you feel the board is preparing for future challenges and opportunities?
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How well do you feel the board is preparing for future challenges and opportunities?
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Why this works
Tests their strategic thinking and reveals whether the board is focused on long-term organizational health.
17What would help you feel more confident in your ability to contribute meaningfully to board discussions?
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What would help you feel more confident in your ability to contribute meaningfully to board discussions?
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Why this works
Identifies confidence barriers and reveals what support would enhance their participation quality.
18How satisfied are you with the board's composition and diversity of perspectives?
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How satisfied are you with the board's composition and diversity of perspectives?
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Why this works
Reveals their view on board makeup and identifies potential gaps in representation or expertise.
19What would make you feel more valued and appreciated as a board member?
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What would make you feel more valued and appreciated as a board member?
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Why this works
Tests recognition needs and reveals what would increase their sense of contribution and belonging.
20How would you like to see the board evolve over the next two years to better serve the organization?
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How would you like to see the board evolve over the next two years to better serve the organization?
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Why this works
Reveals their vision for board development and identifies their priorities for governance improvement.
Mastering Board Engagement Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Create Safe Space for Honest Feedback
Ensure board members feel comfortable sharing candid feedback without fear of repercussions or judgment.
Focus on Specific Improvements
Ask for concrete suggestions rather than general feedback to get actionable insights for board enhancement.
Follow Up on Feedback
Demonstrate that their input matters by implementing changes and reporting back on progress.
Question Sequences
The Engagement Assessment
The Development Focus
Common Pitfalls
Don't Defend Current Practices
Avoid justifying existing processes when receiving feedback. Listen openly and focus on understanding their perspective.
Don't Ignore Negative Feedback
Address concerns directly rather than dismissing them. Negative feedback often contains the most valuable insights.
Don't Ask Leading Questions
Avoid questions that suggest the answer you want. Ask open-ended questions that reveal their true thoughts.