The majority of those who make the decision to serve on nonprofit boards will have the best interests of the organisation at heart. Excitement about joining is at its highest peak, and the mind races with the possibilities of what can be achieved with the team. What usually works best is to under promise and over deliver so results are magnified and expectations, managed.
The saying 'If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it' is one of those truths which initially seems counterintuitive. Until one realises there's a good reason busy people are in high demand — they're the sort willing to make sacrifices, go the extra mile, and ensure the vision is executed. Failure, for them, is simply not an option.
There is, of course, a caveat. Too much dumping on high performers becomes an ultimately destructive habit. They'll burn out, become resentful, or the occasional thing might slip through the cracks. Delegating and involving other team members is a well-rounded approach which strengthens and empowers the board to successfully represent the entity and its community base.