Getting Board Members to Give

8. Meaningful education
If you ever want to see a board member cross her arms and say, "Harumph," mention the word "training." As a trainer by nature, I try not to take this too personally, but I realized one thing about those I interviewed: Their brains are full. It's not that they don't want to learn anything new - just the contrary. They want targeted education that enhances their current skill sets, not a clever workshop on the next big thing.