Why boardroom behaviour matters as much as experience and expertise.
Helen Pitcher OBE reviews the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Imperfect Board Member by Jim Brown.
A thoughtful and thought provoking well structured book focusing on all the elements needed to be an effective Board member in this increasingly complex landscape. I have long believed that Boardroom Behaviour determines the effectiveness of the outcomes. Attributes such as empathy and EQ are equally ( if not arguably) as important as IQ and relevant backgrounds and experience.
Board members need to be agile,curious and have a learning mindset. In my years on Boards as a member ( Chair, SID,NED) and Board Evaluator I have direct experience of the ever changing landscape and requirements. 20 years ago former CEOs and FDs were the ‘go to’ people for NED roles as the focus was predominantly Financial Stewardship. Now the modern NED needs to be across the ‘ Total Enterprise’ and have regard to the range of stakeholders. They are cogniscant of the boundaries and avoid straying into or substituting their views for the Executives; they act as true thought partners and mentors sharing their external radar and providing support and constructive challenge in equal measure.
The core concept that this book is based on is the view that Imperfect People can achieve exceptional results. The Fable is powerful, as are the Chapters on Coaching and the Practical Tools.
A powerful read, which I will dip into again and again and will recommend to those I coach and mentor and the Boards I evaluate.
A well structured researched and insightful book.
