Are boards of directors focused on strategy?
Theoretically, each higher-level of management should be increasingly long-term focused. That certainly includes the role of the board, who with their role on shareholder value and governance, must ensure that the short-term doesn’t crowd out the long-term. CGMA summarized two surveys assessing boards and the barriers to strategic oversight. Their
Read MoreDoes innovation belong in the scope of a board of directors?
Boards of directors are usually associated with governance issues such as risk management and financial controls. They of course have a major role in strategic direction, either in establishing it, approving, or hiring the right executives who will establish the strategic vision. But does that extend all the way into
Read MoreReflections on 5 years of board service
I’ve written about lean in the boardroom, and plan to write much more on the topic. I recently resigned my post at the Board of Directors of a privately-held company during its turnaround. Upon my planned departure, I wanted to share some of my reflections on this experience, as
Read MoreWhat’s the proper election rotation of board members, annual or classes?
Bad boards have been in the news lately. The ongoing debacles at HP and Yahoo seem almost comical, to the point that you can literally imagine clowns running around in the board room. Of course, the easy thing for many people to assume is that they are just made up
Read MoreSetting Board Priorities
What should boards of directors be focused on? Strategy? People? Competition? There might be several choices that could receive votes that you could feel comfortable about. Would you feel comfortable knowing that the board’s top priority is keeping up with new regulation? That’s exactly what is at the top
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