My board sucks. Help!

Dear Aunty B,

I am a new CEO and have inherited a board that is useless. They are from outside my industry and they make impractical, sometimes stupid suggestions. I find that while they are good on the small details, corporate governance and transparency issues, they get a fail for strategy.

We have board meetings once a quarter and I have come to dread them. I understand I have to have a board, Aunty, but I don’t find them at all helpful. Am I missing something? What are they really for?

SL,
Brisbane

Dear SL,

Poor you. A good board can be of enormous assistance. Boards are meant to do lots of things, but in a nutshell what you are missing (and what you obviously need) is entrepreneurial zeal.

A primary role of the board is to act as a impetus for growth and change. Now we all love our staff. But most are happy to chug along in the safe lane and many unconsciously resist change. The energy required to continue to look for opportunities, draw up plans, get everyone on board and execute the strategy is enormous. And sometimes it is easier for the CEO to cruise. The board’s role among other things is to put the CEO’s foot on the accelerator.

And part of that role is to discuss strategy, new ideas and how fast the company can grow. I am wondering if your board is top heavy on a few industries which are not known for their entrepreneurial zeal (ie. lawyers and accountants).

If I were you I would sit down with the chairman and explain your issue. What you want the chairman to do is to suggest that the board composition change. Look to take on an entrepreneur in your industry who has great networks in the area you want to grow.

Good luck!
Your Aunty B

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