Board of Directors blogs focus on how to become an effective board member and setting the right priorities for governance and best practices. They also address issues that are specific to employee stock ownership plans (“ESOP”)-owned businesses, as well as other topics relevant for the board of directors generally.
Good governance means the board is curious, truly interested in the bigger visions of the business and proficient in the wider world or market where the company hopes to have an impact. It also means that the board is able to speak up when they observe issues and is able to coach. It’s a simple structure that balances power. Unfortunately, it does not always work.
Perhaps because of a lack of interest or the culture of their organizations or their personal personalities Board members find themselves bored and unengaged. Some board members don’t know what their job is. Others are aware that they’re not functioning at their best.
This article is targeted at the second group of people who have been offered or are currently taking seats on governance boards and are having difficulty being productive and engaged. This isn’t a slam on Johns and Daves however, it is a reflection of the process to get board posts (and C-level roles). The article offers some building blocks towards changing the game. Diverse thought is typically attained through differences in age, gender and ethnicity, education, context, and experience.
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