8 Habits of highly effective Board Members (an adaptation from the movie '12 Angry Men')

Here are some of the leadership lessons from the classic film "12 Angry Men" that are relevant to good governance in the boardroom:

The Power of Listening: In the movie, Juror 8 is the only one who is willing to listen to other jurors and consider their points of view. This is an important lesson in good governance as it's important for board members to listen to each other and be open to different perspectives in the decision-making process.

The Importance of Asking Questions: Juror 8 demonstrates the power of asking questions to clarify facts and uncover the truth. In the boardroom, board members should encourage their colleagues to ask questions, challenge assumptions and seek clarity to make informed decisions.

The Danger of Groupthink: In "12 Angry Men," the jurors are initially swayed by the opinions of others and fail to consider the facts for themselves. Groupthink can be dangerous in a governance setting and board members must encourage independent thinking and discourage conformist behavior.

The Value of Critical Thinking: Juror 8's ability to think critically is essential to the outcome of the case. Board members must also encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their colleagues to find innovative solutions to challenges.

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence: Juror 3 demonstrates the importance of emotional intelligence by managing his own emotions and influencing the emotions of others. Board members must also be aware of their own emotions and how they can impact those around them, and should cultivate emotional intelligence in themselves and their colleagues.

The Need for Flexibility: Juror 8's ability to change his vote and embrace new information demonstrates the importance of being flexible in decision making. Board members must also be willing to adapt and change their approach based on new information and feedback.

The Importance of Persistence: Juror 8 never gives up on the search for the truth, despite opposition from the other jurors. Board members must also be persistent in pursuing their goals and not give up in the face of obstacles.

The Power of Influence: Juror 8's ability to influence others through his arguments and leadership skills is a valuable lesson for board members. Effective board members must be able to influence their colleagues to achieve their governance goals.