The Five (plus one) Types of Board Members???????
Francis Doehner
Helping YOU Transform your Career by Finding a Job YOU Are Excited About
As your career progresses, your interaction with the board of directors of an organization moves from seeing them as names on a publication to stakeholders you need to impress and win over. When you get even further., you may get invited to be on the board of organizations as diverse as your son's baseball club, local art museum, or alma mater's alum association. When you get even further, and your Financial Advisor starts advising you to donate more or your renown in your industry becomes singular, you may be invited to a corporate board or a major non-profit.
Boards can be mighty. Their actions and decisions shape the trajectory of the institution they serve. While each board member is distinct, they can typically be categorized into one of six primary types. Understanding these archetypes can help you navigate board dynamics and tailor your message and preparation.
?The Visionary
Visionaries are big-picture thinkers who anticipate opportunities ahead of time. They think beyond the present, challenging the status quo and prompting the question, "What if?" Having at least one visionary on the board ensures the organization remains progressive.
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The Detail-Oriented Expert
These board members delve into the specifics. They bring expertise in areas like finance, law, or technology. They ensure compliance, assess risks, and bring depth to strategy discussions.
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The Connector
Connectors are networking maestros. With expansive industry connections, they facilitate essential introductions and understand market dynamics. Their networking skills can be invaluable, especially in endeavors requiring collaboration or external endorsement.
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The Pragmatist
Pragmatists are grounded and ensure that the board remains connected to reality. They assess the feasibility of projects and prioritize clear, actionable goals. Their past experiences are a repository of lessons, guiding the board's decisions.
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The Moral Compass
This board member is the ethical pillar, ensuring decisions align with the organization's mission and values. They advocate for decisions that are not only profitable but also morally sound. They look to address issues including safeguarding the environment, authentically addressing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and understanding the organization's role in the community.
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The Figurehead
Often present due to their celebrity status, connections, or significant financial contributions, Figureheads may not bring substantial expertise or value in the traditional sense. Their presence may sometimes distract from the core objectives, given their high-profile nature or the personal interests they might prioritize. However, their name or association can also bring visibility, lending the organization a certain cachet or public relations advantage. The board's challenge is integrating the Figurehead to harness their potential benefits while minimizing disruptions.
?Conclusion
An effective board embodies a mix of these archetypes, ensuring a balance of visionaries and executors, strategists and implementers. Recognizing the strengths and inclinations of each board member can lead to more dynamic discussions and better decision-making. With a comprehensive understanding of each member's contributions, you can leverage their board's collective strength, paving the way for strategic and ethical governance.
At Frank Resume, our mission is to empower our clients and career-driven leaders. We help them navigate the ever-evolving professional landscape by staying ahead of trends, nuances, and opportunities. Through our experience and insights, we aim to position them favorably but also alleviate their stress. After all, information is power.
Co-founder of Exeo Advisors and ExitEngine I help business owners, founders and entrepreneurs grow and eventually sell their businesses.
1 年Frank, great list. I would add one more. The Contrarian or the The Questioner. In my experience in dealing with Boards of Directors, there always seemed to be one member who questioned the data or the way things worked or the most recent survey information, etc. Dealing with these members can be challenging but very frequently it is helpful in getting to the root of issues and identifying new opportunites. The Contrarian often thinks in different ways about a problem and/or in the way that an industry disruptor thinks. Sometimes they are completely wrong but even when they are, they often articulate problems and issues in different ways and can help formulate novel solutions due to their unconventional thinking.