Effective Board Management Requires a Strong Support Infrastructure

Effective board management requires directors to take their responsibilities seriously, commit to the process, and work to keep improving. It also requires important link a strong infrastructure to assist the board and let them achieve their goals. This includes the tools, processes and systems that are in place to handle meeting planning, materials development as well as portal management, logistics and communications.

The most effective boards are distinguished by a continuous study of important, mission-critical drivers, risks and opportunities and an emphasis on key stakeholder engagement. This includes requesting reports about suppliers, customers, and other key stakeholders’ actions and trends. It also includes economic headwinds and opportunities. It also means getting out in the field to observe how the business operates, and bringing those insights back to the board.

This pillar is built on the trust and respect between board members, and must be in place to allow quality discussion and debates. It also requires a setting where it is acceptable and even expected that the board may disagree with management.

The ability of the board to accomplish its job depends on quality and accessibility of information. Boards that are efficient can make decisions when their information infrastructure is in alignment to the vision of the board engagement model, engagement model, and mission. This includes an explicit authority matrix (sometimes called a RACI map) that clearly defines which people and groups are accountable for, accountable to consulting on or being informed about specific topics and when their roles and responsibilities are fulfilled.