Introduction
People do make a difference. Governance is not management. When selecting board members we need to choose the best. When we elect members we need to provide professional development to ensure they understand the importance of personal traits to the success of the board as a decision making team.
Many of us either see the glass as half full or half empty. We may not even be aware of our actual approach to governing but others are acutely aware of our true philosophy.
How Effective Board Members Behave
The most effective board members:
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Choose to be positive even in the face of adversity
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Congratulate others and themselves on a job well done before focusing on the next task
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Resolve conflicts between their needs, wants and desires and are open to problem solving at all times
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Remember and celebrate the good things, all accomplishments, and the each other’s successes
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Respect history and culture
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Treat everyone equitably, and
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Trust other board members, the board chairperson and the CEO.
Choose to be positive
Excellence in governance and management is achieved when board members and CEOs maintain a positive stance even in the face of adversity. These individuals refuse to drag up the past. They refrain from forming splinter group or encouraging ‘groupthink.’ They welcome differences of opinion and see adversity as an opportunity for the organization to evaluate its practices and grow.
Congratulate others and themselves on a job well done before focusing on the next task
The best corporate board members focus on the contribution of each person. They acknowledge how the effort of each individual or team lead to the achievement of targets or to the resolution of issues. They reward proactive problem-solving and creative thinking.
Think of the key individuals in your situation and ask, “How many of them did I compliment in the last six months?”
Resolve conflicts between their needs, wants and desires
Our needs, wants and desires influence our values. When needs, wants and desires are in conflict with those of other board members or constituents, effective individuals decide where to invest their time and attention. They are neither impulsive or judgmental. They listen to all points of view, compare the input with their own thoughts and participate in the design of effective strategies.
Focus on the Producive
List the things the organization could celebrate and ensure these celebrations happen. Reward dedication, honor commitment to the organization, congratulate others when they move on to other opportunities, and make the good things the focus of conversations.
Respect history and culture
Successful individuals respect the history of the organization and refrain from participating in decisions which would devalue or minimize the importance of the contribution of others. Opportunities to congratulate or bestow honors are sought.
Treat everyone equitably
Not everyone needs to be treated the same. As individuals we all have different needs and wants. What one person sees as a reward may not be viewed as an incentive by another person. Successful board members and CEOs recognize that the factors that drew a person to the organization may not be the same factors that will retain that person. They are cognizant of the importance of being flexible when meeting the needs of each person.
Final Comment
These six habits are easy to talk about but they are difficult to practice daily. This is true especially when there are not enough hours in the day to accomplish all that needs to be completed. The key is that each individual person needs to feel valued and appreciated. These habits need to be practiced with sincerity.
