Qualities demonstrated by great Boards
The following highlight some of the key qualities demonstrated by great Boards if their Board performance is to truly excel and become more than the sum of its parts:
Independence and integrity:
- A genuine spirit of enquiry
- Constructive "dissent" is encouraged
- An active search for relevant facts is permissible
Openness:
- Candid sharing of opinions
- Broad participation by all Board members
- Respect for common sense and intuition is apparent
Accountability:
- There is a sharing of leadership across the Board
- Self management of individual board members is prized
- Peer management and mutual accountability is demonstrated
Action Orientation:
- Rules for resolving conflicts are explicit
- The Board focuses on its priorities and is not waylaid
Mutual trust and respect:
- Confidentiality inside, solidarity outside
- Respect for expertise and diverse opinions
- Active listening by all board members