In today’s dynamic corporate landscape, the role of a board member extends far beyond traditional oversight. Board directors serve as stewards of organizational values and vision, guiding strategic decisions and ensuring ethical standards are upheld. Jason Hanold, CEO and Managing Partner of Hanold Associates, shares invaluable insights into the qualities, skills, and characteristics that define the best board directors.
Prioritizing Sense-Making and Purpose
Exceptional board members prioritize sense-making and purpose alongside traditional roles like strategy, oversight, and resource management. It’s not just about making decisions—it’s about understanding why those decisions are made and how they contribute to the organization’s overarching purpose.
By thoughtfully considering decisions and seeking to align them with the organization’s mission, board directors ensure that every action taken serves the long-term success and sustainability of the organization.
Active Listening and Inclusivity
Effective board members are excellent communicators. They actively listen to diverse perspectives and work to foster an inclusive environment where every voice is heard. By valuing input from all stakeholders, they foster robust dialogue and informed decision-making, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the organization.
Jason Hanold points out that actively listening is not just about receiving information. It also means being open to feedback and willing to consider different viewpoints, even if they challenge preconceived notions. A board that considers a wide range of perspectives and experiences may be better positioned to make more comprehensive and well-rounded decisions.
Balancing Empowerment and Oversight
Understanding the delicate balance between empowering the CEO to lead and providing effective oversight is crucial for good board members. While empowering leadership is essential for fostering innovation and agility within the organization, it must be accompanied by effective oversight to ensure accountability and integrity are maintained.
Good board members provide guidance and support to the CEO while also holding them accountable for their actions. By striking this balance, they create an environment where the organization can thrive while upholding its values and ethical standards.
Encouraging Thought-Provoking Questions
Exceptional board members are not afraid to ask thought-provoking questions, even if they may seem naïve to others. These questions often uncover crucial insights, challenge assumptions, and stimulate innovation within the organization.
By encouraging curiosity and critical thinking, they drive continuous improvement and growth. Thought-provoking questions also demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability, as they encourage open dialogue and discussion of important issues.
Serving as Ambassadors
As ambassadors for their organizations, board members represent its values and interests to stakeholders. They understand the weight of their role and embrace the responsibility with integrity and dedication.
By serving as ambassadors, they build trust and credibility, both internally and externally, that contributes to the organization’s overall success. Ambassadors also play a key role in shaping the organization’s reputation and fostering positive relationships with stakeholders, including investors, customers, employees, and the community at large.
Continuous Learning and Engagement
Exceptional board members always have a passion for learning. They remain curious, seeking opportunities to deepen their understanding of the organization and actively contribute to its success. By staying energetic in learning and contributing, they ensure that the organization remains agile, adaptive, and poised for future growth and success.
Continuous learning also means staying informed about the broader industry, best practices, and emerging technologies, so that the board can provide strategic guidance and support in a rapidly changing business environment. Engaging with stakeholders and staying connected to the organization’s mission and values also ensure that the board remains focused on its primary objective: driving the organization towards long-term success and sustainability.
The Takeaway
Being an effective board member goes beyond attending a few meetings every now and then—it’s about embodying values, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change. By embodying these qualities, board members can truly make a difference in steering organizations toward success in today’s ever-evolving business landscape. Their commitment to Jason Hanold’s top priorities of sense-making, active listening, balanced empowerment, thoughtful questioning, ambassadorship, and continuous learning ensures that organizations can thrive in a complex, interconnected world.
