In the course of doing board work for our clients, we are often asked “What makes a great board director?” It is an interesting and challenging question but one that has taken on new importance as the role of the director evolves.
First, we need to define “great.” The definition is somewhat unique to every situation but great directors are the “go-to” board leaders; the ones whom everyone listens to and wants to know what they think in a certain situation. Great directors may not be in a formal leadership role (though often are) but they are most definitely leaders in the truest sense.
What do great directors bring to a board? What is their ‘secret sauce’? In our observation of hundreds of boards over many years, we can highlight a handful of characteristics:
- Breadth – the best directors use every experience and skill in their repertoire to apply breadth of thinking in any given situation. They never refer to a narrow frame of reference – in fact, they are intellectually curious; well-read; are problem-solvers; and flexible thinkers. They ideally have broad career experience but that is not necessary if they view the world through a wide angle lens.
- Judgment – the best directors have excellent judgment. They can be wise and seasoned or early in their career – but if they have sound instincts and listen to those in the boardroom, they will make a difference.
- People skills – strong directors relate well to people but the best directors build relationships – wellsprings of trust that allow for candid dialogue. This does NOT mean going along to get along. Rather, building relationships is about genuinely wanting to know your fellow board members and understanding the social dynamic of a group. This is what a great board member does.
- Courage – the best directors are unafraid to speak up and share a point of view. It can be intimidating to sit on a board with strong personalities and extraordinary resumes. However, a great director brings his/her own thinking to the table and does not hesitate to take a contrary view when needed. This is essential, especially today.
- Integrity – Finally, and most importantly, a great director never compromises when it counts. We always ask references about ethics and values – and, at the end of the day, boards tell us that is one of the most important criteria in selecting a director. It is hard to measure or quantify in the course of several interviews with a potential director. But when you speak with his/her work and board colleagues from over the years, integrity (or lack thereof) is crystal clear. It must be part of every director’s DNA.
Bonnie W. Gwin is managing partner, North America, for Heidrick & Struggles’ board of directors practice.