Successful board members are dedicated to the mission of the company as well as its clients and its shareholders. They prioritize meeting attendance and actively take part in discussions. They have a deep knowledge of the business model, operations and policies. They are also aware of the latest developments in their field and industry trends to make informed contributions.
They are able to control their ego and are comfortable working with others. They understand how their actions impact other board members and the executive team. They can prevent tensions and conflicts that could cause a decrease in productivity or even a boycott of board meetings. They can offer powerful questioning which can help to uncover the root of any issue and stop groupthink.
Strong board members are knowledgeable in their areas and are able to share novel and applicable insight with the rest of the board. They are able to position themselves as an advisor to executives and serve as a sounding board for sensitive topics. They are also good at building relationships outside of the boardroom and introducing other members to make new connections.
They are aware of their responsibility and strive to meet the requirements. They are aware of any issues – financial, management trouble with operations or personnel – and take steps to fix them before they become worse. They also understand that their role is to be an important partner to the CEO, assisting them to find ways to help them achieve their goals and maximise opportunities.
