The top three qualities that separate a competent NED from an exceptional one?
Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) often make headlines, signalling positive and negative moments for companies.
This week alone, we saw a notable appointment at Next , with Venetia Butterfield joining as an independent non-executive director, effective from 2 April 2024.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I see THREE distinct qualities that differentiate a competent NED from an exceptional one. Those being:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
?? 1). Strategic Foresight:
"Leaders shape the future," as my friend Andy Billings , once said. Hence, the best NEDs don't just understand the present; they anticipate the future.
Today, we live in an age of opportunity. Thus, the ability to foresee and prepare for emerging trends and challenges is invaluable.
I've witnessed firsthand how such holistic thinking and foresight can propel a company ahead of its competitors, and equally, how a lack of future-conscious thinking and behaviour leads to stagnation.
I call this the Billings Conservative Variation.
Hence, it’s not about reacting to change, but rather being ahead of the curve and shaping the change journey.
It’s why I started Purpose Made and The Purpose Made Podcast , to help leaders successfully navigate today’s turbulent seas of change.
The essence of which comes down to strategic foresight and positioning.
Specifically, as A.G. Lafley points out:
The result is a playbook for where you’ll ultimately choose to play and how you’ll succeed.
Strategy is choice, and the choices we make are ultimately defined by our outlook on what the future may hold.
If you haven’t read A.G. Lafley’s ‘Play To Win’, please take the time to do so!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
?? 2). Capacity for Influence:
Next up is the capacity for influence. Exceptional NEDs are masters of subtle influence. They guide and persuade, building relationships that steer a company and its people towards success.
Their impact is often seen in pivotal decisions that shape a company's trajectory. It doesn’t have to be loud and brash, but more so stoic, considered, and compelling.
I call this the Blake Jorgensen Effect.
领英推荐
Anyone who's heard one of his town halls at 美国艺电公司 or had the fortune of meeting him in person knows how influential this man is!
Key to successful leadership, as with Blake, is "influence, not authority" ~ Ken Blanchard, Ph.D.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
?? 3). Purposeful Integrity:
Finally, we have purposeful integrity. The backbone of any NED's effectiveness is their unwavering commitment to standards, values, and beliefs.
Our integrity not only guides our decisions but also uplifts the entire company's moral and ethical standing. Without naming names, we see day in and day out governments, companies, and people underperforming due to a lack of this fundamental quality.
Integrity is the foundation of purpose and thus, in our ever-evolving world, our capacity to act with integrity, to envision the road ahead, and galvanise people in such a way that we shift beyond mere "moments to movements" Greg Hoffman , in my experience, leads to the greatest successes. Purpose isn’t just a pillar of performance; it’s the very lifeblood of progress.
I call this the Duke Stump Paradigm, which emphasises the importance of vision, outlook, and impact over mere financial gain.
Take a look at his Bonfire with Soul program for more! You won't be disappointed!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
So there we are, three characteristics that differentiate a competent NED from an exceptional one. And to be honest, if you find individuals who possess all three characteristics, hire them, work with them, and give them the freedom to influence your company’s road ahead.
As these attributes are the hallmarks of exceptional leadership, which will propel your company forward. It's the people who differentiate good companies from great ones. So hire and collaborate with the best, empower them, and watch your organisation thrive.
These are my thoughts, and I'd love to hear yours.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If you enjoyed this, feel free to follow for more. As I reflect on life and share what I learn along the way.
Click to follow ( Peter George Bell ) and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. As what I enjoy most about LinkedIn is collaborating with the people behind the profiles!
Until next time.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Peter is the founder of Purpose Made and the host of the Purpose Made Podcast, a series that's widely accessible on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major podcast distributors. His entrepreneurial journey is complemented by a rich background that includes pivotal roles at industry giants like 美国艺电公司 and 雀巢 .
In his podcast, Peter delves into a myriad of forward-thinking topics. He expertly navigates conversations around future trends, the art of storytelling, nuances of the gaming industry, evolving industry trends, and the essence of thought leadership, among others. His approach is not just informative but also engaging and thought-provoking.
With over 18 years of experience, Peter is a seasoned executive whose expertise has been instrumental in guiding global initiatives and spearheading strategic transformations in the gaming and digital sectors.
Connect to learn more.