Avoiding Micromanagement and Rabbit Holes: The Role of Board Agendas
Conscious Governance
A Global, Independent consultancy service for Boards, CEOs and Directors
It's important to understand the role of the board agenda in driving the direction and focus of the organization. The way in which reports are presented to the board and the sequence of conversations that take place can greatly impact whether the board is micromanaging or focusing on long-term strategy.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not the board's responsibility to set the agenda, but rather the chair's. This is a legal point that is often overlooked, but it is crucial for the success of the board. The chair has the responsibility of determining the sequence of events and ensuring that the agenda is aligned with the strategic goals of the organization.
However, this does not mean that the chair operates in a vacuum. A good chair will tap into the expertise and experience of the board members to identify important issues that need to be discussed or investigated. It is important to note that the chair is not the only one with a voice, but they are responsible for leading the conversation and ensuring that the agenda is focused on creating a better future for the organization.
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So what does this mean for CEOs and Board Directors? It means that it's important to be aware of the agenda in advance, and to communicate effectively with the chair in order to ensure that the most important and pressing issues are being addressed in a timely manner. Additionally, it means that it's crucial to have open and honest conversations with the chair about any concerns or ideas that you may have, in order to ensure that they are taken into account when the agenda is being set. But in the end, the Chair has the final say on what is in the board agenda.
In conclusion, the way in which board reports are presented and the sequence of conversations that take place can greatly impact the direction and focus of the organization. As a CEO or Board Director, it's important to understand the role of the chair in owning the agenda and to communicate effectively with them in order to ensure that the most important issues are being addressed. By doing so, we can ensure that we are creating a future that aligns with our strategic goals and vision.
Steve Bowman