Blog & Articles
Top Interview Questions for Board Directors: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Serving on a company board is a prestigious opportunity to contribute to a business’s strategic direction, but getting there involves acing a board interview. Board interviews are distinct from job interviews, as they assess your ability to provide governance, strategic advice, and oversight.
Standard Roles in Every Boardroom and Their Responsibilities.
A well-structured boardroom is essential for effective governance and decision-making. Each member plays a critical role in ensuring the company’s strategic direction and accountability. Understanding the standard roles and their responsibilities is key for both aspiring and current board directors
Board of Directors vs. Advisory Board: Differences & Advantages.
When building governance structures, startups and established companies often consider forming a Board of Directors, an Advisory Board, or both. While these entities may seem similar, they have distinct roles, responsibilities, and advantages.
Board Committees and Their Roles
Board committees are essential for effective governance, allowing boards to focus on specialized areas while ensuring thorough oversight and strategic decision-making. These smaller groups handle detailed responsibilities and report their findings and recommendations to the full board. Here’s an overview of the most common board committees and their roles.
How to Land Your First Board Role with Limited Experience.
Landing your first board role can feel challenging, especially if you have limited experience. However, with the right strategy and preparation, you can position yourself as a valuable candidate. Companies increasingly value diverse perspectives and specialized skills, making it possible for professionals
Spotting a Toxic Board Culture and How to Address It
A toxic board culture can hinder decision-making, damage relationships, and ultimately harm the company’s success. For board members, recognizing signs of toxicity early and knowing how to address them is critical to maintaining effective governance.
How Much Equity to Give to Your Board Members and Why
Compensating board members with equity is a common practice in private companies, especially startups. Offering equity aligns board members’ interests with the company’s long-term success and incentivizes them to actively contribute to its growth.
How to Address a Board Member Who Is Not Engaged
An engaged board is vital for the success of any organization. Board members are expected to actively contribute their expertise, offer strategic guidance, and provide oversight. However, there may be times when a board member becomes disengaged, whether due to personal reasons, lack of interest, or other commitments. As a fellow board member, CEO, or board chair, it’s important to address disengagement early to ensure the effectiveness of the board and the company’s success.
Why Every Private Company Needs a Board of Directors
While private companies are not legally required to have a Board of Directors (BoD), establishing one can be transformative for their growth and success. A well-structured board provides strategic guidance, governance, and accountability that can propel a company toward its goals.
How to Effectively Challenge the CEO as a Board Member
As a board member, one of your most important roles is to provide oversight and guidance to the CEO. This can sometimes mean challenging the CEO’s decisions to ensure the company remains on track to achieve its strategic goals. However, challenging a CEO requires finesse. It’s not about undermining authority, but about bringing new perspectives and making sure critical issues are addressed.
How to Know When To Resign From the Board of Directors and How to Do It
Serving on a board of directors can be a rewarding experience, but there may come a time when it is in both your best interest and the company’s to step down. Knowing when to resign from the board of directors and how to do it respectfully is a crucial part of maintaining professionalism and ensuring the continued success of the organization.