Have you ever wondered why some organisations succeed where others fall short? Well, the fact is, the success of any organisation heavily relies on the effectiveness and performance of its board of directors. A strong board can provide strategic guidance, oversight, and accountability, while a weak board can lead to poor decision-making, risk-taking, and even financial problems. For example, the board of directors at Apple played a critical role in the company’s current success. Steve Jobs may have been the maverick with the vision to launch the iPod, iPhone, and iPad to wildfire success but it is also the strategic guidance of the board with the leadership of current CEO Tim Cook that has led Apple to a $3 trillion valuation, the most valued company today. The board ensured that Apple remained financially responsible, even during periods of rapid growth and now they reap the rewards year on year. In contrast, the board of directors at Enron was very ineffective. Their lack of oversight and accountability led to the company’s historic collapse in 2001.

When a board of directors need to take a decision, it is usually made by the collective group. However, the effectiveness of that decision is influenced by the actions of the individual directors. When each director strives for excellence and mastery in their individual capacity, it can significantly enhance the board’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities. Over time, we’ve reached the conclusion that each member of the corporate board has a vital role to play to ensure their contribution to the growth and success of their organisation.

How Individual Performances Improve Board Success.

It is crucial for individual board directors to possess certain qualities and skills that can make a significant difference and improve the organisation’s performance. Over the years, we have come across several exceptional board members who possess unique qualities that greatly impact their organisation’s success. So, here are the things you need to consider when selecting new board members or to encourage existing board executives to upscale and improve.

1. Personal Growth and Expertise: The purpose of life is growth, and this principle also extends to the realm of corporate governance. The growth of an organisation is directly proportional to the level of skill, knowledge, and expertise possessed by its leadership. By continuously refining their skills and staying updated with industry trends, organisational culture, and best practices, directors can bring invaluable insights and knowledge to board discussions. The objective is to create a community of professionals with diverse abilities and strengths, avoid groupthink, and encourage each other to achieve organisational objectives.Similarly, engaging in board training, attending conferences, and actively seeking opportunities for professional development are all avenues for personal growth. Research conducted by McKinsey has shown that boards with directors who invest in their personal development outperform those that do not. By cultivating their expertise, directors can contribute more effectively to strategic decision-making, risk assessment, and oversight, ultimately raising the overall performance of the board. Moreover, when individuals in the boardroom consist of high achievers, it influences their approach to work, as their personal pursuit of success naturally reflects in the organisation’s overarching success.
2. Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity in the Boardroom is a catalyst for improved board performance. Directors with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives bring a broader range of ideas and solutions to the table. Research consistently shows that diverse boards outperform their homogeneous counterparts in terms of financial performance and innovation. By embracing diversity, equity and inclusion, boards can tap into a wealth of knowledge and creativity.Encouraging diversity at the individual level means actively seeking directors from various backgrounds, including gender, ethnicity, age, and professional expertise. Fostering an inclusive culture within the boardroom ensures that all voices are heard and valued, leading to more robust decision-making processes and improved overall board performance.
3. Critical Thinking and Risk Management: Individual board directors with strong critical thinking and risk management abilities can significantly enhance the effectiveness and performance of the board. Their analytical skills allow them to identify potential risks, evaluate opportunities, and develop innovative solutions to address challenges faced by the organisation. They proactively identify potential risks by assessing the organisation’s operations and considering various scenarios. This enables the board to develop effective risk management strategies and mitigate potential threats. Likewise, they evaluate opportunities by conducting thorough research and analyzing market trends, enabling the board to make well-informed decisions on strategic growth prospects. Additionally, board members with strong critical thinking skills excel at analyzing complex issues. They break down problems, consider multiple perspectives, and suggest creative solutions. By fostering a culture of innovation, they drive discussions that lead to novel approaches to problem-solving. 
4. Ethical Behaviour and Integrity: Ethics and integrity are foundational to effective board performance. It is important for Individual directors to exemplify the highest ethical standards, serving as role models for ethical behavior within the organisation. By acting with integrity, directors build trust among stakeholders and contribute to a culture of transparency and accountability. Ethical lapses can undermine the board’s credibility and erode trust, leading to dire consequences for its organisation.Upholding ethical behavior requires directors to adhere to codes of conduct, diligently fulfill their fiduciary duties, and promote a strong ethical framework throughout the organisation. By embodying ethical behavior, individual directors create an environment conducive to ethical decision-making at the board level, positively impacting overall board performance.
5. Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration are paramount to achieving optimal board performance. Individual directors need to cultivate strong interpersonal skills, actively listen, and contribute constructively to board discussions. You must encourage open and transparent communication that allows for robust deliberation and collective decision-making.Additionally, fostering an environment that encourages healthy debate and respectful dissent ensures that all perspectives are considered. Again, effective communication also extends beyond the boardroom, involving regular engagement with management, shareholders, and other stakeholders. By improving individual communication skills and fostering collaboration, directors can enhance the overall effectiveness and cohesiveness of the board and larger organisation.

Final thoughts.

The influence of an individual director on the success or failure of an organisation can not be overstated. It is vital that as a director, you carry out your responsibilities as part of an organisation’s leadership. To ensure your organisation’s success, evaluate your performance and the performance of your board. Certain tips have been shared in this article but it is not enough to simply read and understand these concepts; you must actively put them into practice. The true results lie in your proactive implementation of these principles. 

So, are you ready to take the necessary steps to enhance board performance and drive your organisation toward success? Book a session with us today!