Mastering the Synergy: Board Members, EQ and the Art of Effective Communication

On a board, you could have the best mix of seasoned professionals with the highest levels of know-how in their respective industries. But if they cannot communicate well, it is all for nothing.

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As such, to overcome the prevailing communication challenges that hinder boardrooms, cultivating the EQ at an individual level might be the most essential variable in this mix.

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So, what are the Core Communications Challenges for a Board?

Boris Groysberg of Harvard Business School surveyed over 300 female directors and found that 20% stated they were less productive because the group's leaders did not accept them. Also, one-third of the male board members said the long-standing "old boys' club" culture prevented women from being entirely accepted on boards.

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It is obvious that the fundamental purpose of hiring highly competent persons for these responsibilities is undermined when the board members themselves hesitate or are unwilling to use the experience of all board members.

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In other words, these problems have the defections communication dynamics between the boardroom walls at their core.

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When assessing communication in the context of board members, some signs of a dysfunctional board include one person's dominance, a failure to welcome or act on criticism, the dissemination of an agenda at the last minute, a lack of openness in decision-making, and the use of statements like "we've always done it this way" in discussions.

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In such an atmosphere, staff and board members work in silos and show little enthusiasm during meetings, and sarcasm and passive-aggressive remarks are commonplace. In contrast, boards whose members just don't talk to one another display a striking absence of structure in the form of unreliable meeting schedules, a lack of familiarity with company goals, and no overarching strategy for the future.

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Eventually, this might lead to trouble attracting new members, with the current ones demonstrating a significant reluctance to contribute or engage, further compounding overall dissatisfaction.

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Why Should Board Members Cultivate EQ to Enhance Communication?

Research conducted by McKinsey indicates a strong correlation between team connectivity and productivity, suggesting that emotionally intelligent teams who understand and empathize with each other can boost their productivity by 20% to 25%. This is backed by additional research from ThinkTalent , which posits that organizations that excel in their communication strategies, a skill highly linked to emotional intelligence, are 3.5 times more likely to outshine their competitors.

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This is particularly critical in the boardroom setting where strategic and effective communication is paramount. Gartner's research bolsters this point further, indicating that 70% of corporate mistakes can be attributed to poor communication – often stemming from low EQ levels.

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Information Asymmetry

Information asymmetry, where some board members have access to more privileged information than others, creates a divide that can hinder decision-making. But directors with high EQ can bridge this gap by fostering a transparent environment. Their sensitivity to fairness allows them to recognize and address these disparities.

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They create an atmosphere where each member has a stake in the outcome by building trust, encouraging open communication, and ensuring everyone feels included. For example, they might initiate regular updates or meetings to ensure all board members consistently and openly share information.

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Active Listening?

Maintaining attentive listening despite interruptions or conflicting demands is a crucial component of EQ. Directors?with a high EQ provide an example of attentiveness, foster an environment where everyone's ideas are valued, and ensure their followers' voices are heard and considered. They know that listening attentively is a prerequisite for productive teamwork and an awareness of other perspectives.

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Tackling Cognitive Bias

As in any other context, decisions may be hampered by cognitive biases that distort judgement. Leaders with a high EQ may lessen this effect by fostering a culture of introspection, educating board members on the dangers of unconscious prejudice, and encouraging an atmosphere that welcomes and embraces many points of view. Plus, those with high EQ may foster an atmosphere free from prejudice and conducive to objectivity and clear communication.

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Persuasion

Board directors with high EQ are not only likable but also influential. Because of how naturally they engage with others, they are convincing while maintaining mutual respect. For example, they are adept at influencing the dynamics of a board meeting to facilitate the development of a shared understanding of critical strategic choices.

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Conflict Resolution

Directors with a high EQ have an arsenal at their disposal to handle issues in a positive manner while still fostering strong relationships among board members. In the event of a dispute, these board members may act as neutral mediators, encouraging open dialogue where all sides are heard, and a fair settlement is sought.

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Yet, to settle the disagreement in a manner that is fair to all parties and productive for the team and the company, they may use mediation or active listening. Instead of forcing everyone on the board to agree, they focus on understanding one another's perspectives and working together to discover solutions that work for everyone.

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Openness & Collaboration

To reach a common goal, directors?could facilitate open communication, encourage participation from all board members, and incorporate their feedback. This leads to improved decision-making and fosters an environment where everyone is heard and valued.

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As a convergence locus of numerous diverse perspectives, the boardroom can be an invaluable avenue for communication, but it poses numerous challenges. Amidst such diversity, understanding how to perceive and control your emotions and those of others can equip you to navigate better the unavoidable conflict that ensues from varying agendas.

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In some situations, identifying the source of your emotions and those of others, discerning when decisions are overly influenced by emotions, or regulating your emotional reaction, can enable you to engage in more sophisticated discussions and decision-making.

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Tips to Enhance Your EQ as a Board Member for Better Communication

Here are five ways board members can enhance their communication with higher EQ:

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1.???Listen & Reflect

When another board member voices an opinion that differs from yours, you can either dismiss it or explore it further.

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Option A: "That is not relevant to our discussion."

Option B: "Tell me more about that."

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Choosing Option A will likely cause the other member to feel unheard. Option B opens the door to valuable feedback and potential improvement.

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2.???Empathy & Attention

?Board members are uniquely positioned to gauge the impact of new processes. Encouraging them to voice their observations and concerns displays high EQ.

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Suppose a member expresses that a new protocol, like a stringent documentation process, impedes productivity.

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Option A: "I don't care. Follow the new protocol."

Option B: "I appreciate your feedback. How do you think we can streamline this process?"

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Option A might not lead to any fruitful conclusion while also fostering a closed, harsh environment. Instead, B builds trust and fosters an environment of problem-solving.?

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3.???Acknowledge & Affirm

Sometimes, even after listening to an opposing viewpoint, you may disagree – which is perfectly fine if you know how to express this.

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Option A: "That direction doesn't align with our objectives."

Option B: "I appreciate your courage in sharing your view. Let me explain why we're choosing a different direction."

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Think about these two replies a bit. For one, option B ensures members feel seen and heard, even if their suggestions aren't implemented. This understanding cultivates a supportive environment where board members feel valued.

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4.???Always Be Open to Feedback

Rather than ignoring or dismissing crucial feedback, employ curiosity and ask for more information.

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Option A: "Just get it done."

Option B: "What is it you want me to understand?"

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Option B reflects an open and curious mindset, encouraging members to share challenges and fostering a collaborative boardroom culture.

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5.???Never Take Anything Personally

Suppose your decision is met with criticism from other board members.

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Option A: "You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Option B: "I understand your viewpoint. What alternative do you suggest?"

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Open discussion and the continuous flow of information can result from option B. Board members respect a leader who is open about their limitations and always willing to learn and improve.

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EQ & Communication as the Success Formula

Long-term, high EQ can strengthen board unity, raise the bar for board decision-making, and boost the company's bottom line.

EQ equips board members with the perceptive ability to understand and manage their own emotions while empathetically comprehending the feelings of others. This skill becomes the cornerstone of harmonious teamwork, conflict resolution, and adaptive leadership. However, its true power emerges when coupled with adept communication, allowing the translation of intricate emotions into clear, relatable messages. The fusion of EQ and communication cultivates a fertile ground for collaboration, trust-building, and the navigation of intricate social dynamics within a boardroom, ultimately unlocking the door to both personal and professional triumph.

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