Seven Beliefs About Boards I'd Like to Change

Belief # 1: Boards exist to oversee management.

Instead, consider: Boards exist to lead on behalf of owners.

Belief #2: We improve governance by solving existing problems.

Instead, consider: Governance excellence demands a holistic, systemic approach.

Belief # 3: We need more women (or any other identifiable group) on boards.

Instead, consider: Boards must truly engage with their owners, and translate that input into performance.

Belief #4: Governance is a dry, boring subject.

Instead, consider: Governance is about people, communities, values, power, happiness, frustration, fairness, conflict, creativity, and making the world a better place.

Belief #5: To be a good board member, you have to have been a good manager.

Instead, consider: To be an excellent board member, you must be willing to invest your personal power into the leadership of a group.

Belief #6: To increase board accountability, we must sacrifice CEO/staff freedom.

Instead, consider: Accountability and freedom can be maximized simultaneously.

Belief #7: Board members don’t require job training; they know all they need to know or they wouldn't be on the board.

Instead, consider: Board members exhibit leadership by learning, and there is a lot to learn about governance.

Interested in hearing or understanding more, or have other board beliefs you'd like to share? Call me anytime at 1-877-847-4552 or e-mail me at susan@browndogconsulting.com.