Boards looking to improve performance should take a thorough strategy. This involves ensuring that the board is equipped with the correct mix of skills in creating a positive atmosphere and streamlining processes. By addressing these key areas boards will be able drive best practices and accelerate decision making.
The chair of the board is a key element in determining how the board will operate. A chair who is not able to lead or coordination skills will not be able to create a space which directors are able to share their views and participate in productive discussions. Similarly, a chair who is overly controlling and insecure can create a climate in which the board isn’t transparent and hinders discussion.
Dysfunction is one of the most common issues boards confront. Although this issue can arise from conflicts between board members, it could be due to insufficient structures to help carry the board’s performance evaluation duties. Leaving these responsibilities to the board as a whole, or delegating them to an executive committee is often a route to poor oversight.
The ability of a board to analyze and access information is an additional factor. Access to the correct data can improve the effectiveness of boards, and help boards make better decisions. However, many boards have ineffective processes to share information and source. Unless this is addressed it will be difficult for the board to improve its performance.
http://www.boardroompro.net/managing-conflict-of-interest-at-board-level-4-things-to-know/
