Hey GirdleyWorld!
Today is a topic close to my heart:
- How to be a world-class board member
Plus, I’ve got a special announcement at the end.
Let’s dive in!
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I’ve been in hundreds of board meetings, so I say from experience:
World-class board members are worth their weight in gold.
So today, I will break down how the greatest board members set themselves apart.
If you’re on a board, adopt these behaviors. You’ll serve your company better and bring 10x more value.
If you’re in a company, look for these qualities, and you’ll set yourself up for success.
So here we go:
1. Great board members sprint to problems.
When a company stumbles, great board members jump in right away.
“We have a problem, you say? Let’s get on the phone today and do some work!”
Average board members let problems get solved… sooner or later.
2. Great board members let the CEO be the CEO.
This means remembering who is running and doing things.
Average board members will meddle or think it's about them.
Great board members know they win when the team on the field wins.
Not them personally.
3. Great board members give a shit.
They think about the business in the shower.
They look for ways to help.
They do the work to add value.
Average board members? Well, they come to the meetings.
4. They have difficult conversations.
Great board members will say the hard things.
Maybe the CEO needs to step up their game.
Or a trophy investment is a dog.
The board must speak truth to power because the employees usually won’t.
5. They read the room.
Being on a board is the practice of social dynamics.
Great board members listen closely to each person.
They want to see what makes them tick and their perspective.
They use that to craft moves to perfectly keep everyone on target.
6. They have a “beginner’s mind” that is constantly curious.
While they have strong beliefs, they are always listening for reasons to change them.
Average board members have their minds made up.
The great ones are growing – no matter their age.
7. They know principles are forever, while tactics constantly change.
Board members advise on both. It’s their job.
Great ones know that principles are forever (“Delight your customers!”)
But tactics are temporary ("Cold calls work!").
They advise with that in mind.
8. They build trust.
Great board members get to know everyone as humans.
Not as fellow professionals – as real people!
This means spending face time with others to build a real bond.
So, when the shit hits the fan, they have mutual trust they can rely upon.
9. They work to have skin in the game.
I worked with a great board member once.
When she was recruited to the board, she insisted she could invest.
She wanted to demonstrate she was all-in with real cash.
Average board members? Well, they show up to the meetings!
10. Great board members cheerlead
CEO is the loneliest job in the world, with no peers inside the organization.
They’re alone, fighting to hold the ship together.
Great board members must stay optimistic to balance this out.
They say "LFG!" and mean it.
That’s it! These are the behaviors I strive to do for every board I’m on.
What did I miss? I’m always hungry to learn. Hit reply and let me know!
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3 things from this week
- Appetizer: From the Girdley Media Slack channel. It’s a miracle my team hasn’t quit yet.
- Main: I had a great time on the Build In Public podcast last week — we talked maintaining great output, my business heroes, and… did you know I wrote a book about Java? Give it a listen here!
- Dessert: My long-time friend and business partner Jason hit the nail on the head. I can work my butt off if it’s making the world a better place.
That’s all for today. Thanks for reading!
Michael
