Board of Directors blogs focus on how to become a productive board member and setting governance priorities and best practices. They also address specific issues for employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”) owned companies and other topics relevant to directors’ boards in general.
A good governance board is one that is interested, curious in the bigger goals of the organization, and proficient in a market or the world in which the company is looking to make a difference. It also means that the board is encouraged to speak up when issues arise and is coachable. It is a structure that balances power in a clear way. Unfortunately it’s not always working well.
A lot of people who serve on boards are bored and not interested. This could be due to a lack interest, the culture within the organization, or their personal personalities. Some board members aren’t certain of what their role is supposed to be. Others are aware that they’ren’t performing in the best way possible.
This article is directed at the second group, those who have been offered or are currently taking seats on governance boards and have difficulties being productive and active. It’s not a knock-down on Johns and Daves this is directly related to the process to get board positions (and other C level roles). The article outlines some basic elements to change the game. Diversity of thinking is most often derived from diversity of age, gender, ethnicity, upbringing, context and experiences.