Successful board members are committed to the organisation’s mission, its clients and shareholders. Attendance at meetings is an important factor and they actively participate in discussions. They are knowledgeable of the company’s operation, model of business, and policies. They keep up-to-date with the latest developments in their field as well as the latest trends in the industry so they can contribute to the company’s success in a timely manner.
They can control their ego and are confident when working with other people. They are aware of how their actions impact other board members as well as the executive team. They can help prevent conflicts and tensions that can result in a loss of productivity or even the decision to boycott board meetings. They can ask powerful questions that get right at the root of an issue and prevent groupthink.
The most successful board members are experts in their field and are able to offer fresh and useful insights with the rest of the board. They can position themselves as a mentor to executives and serve as a sounding boards for sensitive issues. They also excel at building relationships that go beyond the board room and introducing their colleagues to new connections.
They are aware of their high responsibility and strive to fulfill it. They are aware of issues that could be a result of management, financial problems, operational or personnel and take the necessary steps to fix the issues before they escalate. They also understand that their informative post role is to act as a strategic partner for the CEO, assisting them to find ways to help them achieve their goals and maximise opportunities.