Can I get that mop and bucket in cornflower blue?

I was at an event yesterday and spoke with a long-time association and nonprofit professional and volunteer. We got to talking about association management and some of the ways boards of directors choose to spend their time. Time that's often wasted.

He recalled a meeting for the board of a local nonprofit facility where a janitorial supply salesperson came to the meeting to pitch them a $38 mop and bucket. This was on the agenda. The board proceeded to discuss the mop and bucket -- was it an effective mop, was the bucket easy to move around, etc. -- for almost an hour. Then the board recommended the director bring in another vendor to compare cost.

The next item on the agenda -- spending $22,000 to repave the parking lot. The board heard a proposal from one contractor and approved the bid within minutes.

We all have priorities, but let's not lose focus on why volunteers participate in associations and nonprofit organizations -- achievement of the mission. Targeting matters that drive the objective of the organization is far more important than whether $38 mop and bucket will or won't keep the floors clean.

• Keep the board strategic and concerned about the broad strokes. 
• Create committees and task forces empowered to handle more detailed problems. 
• Give your staff or management company, if you have one, the leeway to make decisions.

Clients of AMR establish work plans and budgets to guide effort and organizational spending and clients put trust in us to be responsible with their funds. Our boards don't have to make discussions about mops, buckets, labels, pens, paper and other supplies. We help boards stay focused on taking action to fulfill your organization mission and vision.

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