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 to employee stock ownership plans («ESOP»)-owned companies and other issues relevant for the board of director in general.
Good governance is when the board is genuinely engaged in the bigger objectives of the business and proficient in the world or market where the company hopes to have an impact. It also implies that the board members are encouraged to speak up when issues arise and is able to coach. It’s a clear system that balances power. 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 enthusiasm, the culture within the organization, or their personal personalities. Some board members don’t know what their job is. Some are aware that they’re not performing at the highest level.
This article is aimed at the second group of people who have been offered (or are currently taking) seats on governance committees but aren’t active and productive. This isn’t a riff on Johns and Daves this is directly related to the process to get board positions (and other C-level roles). The article offers some foundational elements for changing the game. Diversity of thinking is most often gained through diversity of age, gender, ethnicity, upbringing, context and experiences.