Last week I attended a governance conference in New York City.  The primary focus of the meeting was education of directors who serve members and other important stakeholders. The real challenge that CEOs and boards face, is to learn as fast as the world is changing.  This implies a commitment to strengthening our skills to […]

Directors desire a stronger line of communication with the CEO than is presently acknowledged. Sometimes lack of dialogue is a byproduct of board rules, including requirements for executive sessions without the CEO present. Sometimes it stems from failing to make such conversation a priority. Committing to an intelligent exchange of ideas with your CEO will […]

As we consider regulatory changes for board governance and the business environment gets more complicated, boards and CEOs have to define and clarify their roles and responsibilities.  This will require more direct communication and understanding of strategy. Committing to an intelligent exchange of ideas with your CEO will require some discipline, but will yield a […]

Most corporate citizens would agree that corporate directors are among their most important and most demanding constituencies. But ironically, we think that Directors are among the most under-served constituencies of all – at least where “reaching out” is concerned. Here are a few things that are normally sure to please Directors…plus some hints on prepping […]

The world as we know it is in a continuous state of change for corporate directors. In the past, work mattered more than process.  With those in Congress and the Executive Branch concerned about another economic crisis, increased transparency and attention to processes will be required. In the past, board members, corporate secretaries and general […]

Recently, the SEC issued Rule 14a-11 which has major implications for the way shareholders have access to nominating directors to boards.   The implementation of these rules is currently being challenged in court by the United States Chamber of Commerce.  However, the SEC direction is to encourage increased communication between shareholders and directors.  So while we […]

During the holidays, television stations always run a consecutive loop of the yuletide log with a soundtrack of recognizable Christmas songs. It reminds us of shared values and gives people a sense of the holiday spirit and warmth.  Presently, we are watching a 24/7 “continuous loop” of the BP disaster with up to 100,000 gallons […]

On Dec. 16, 2009, the  SEC  issued rules that will require  additional commentary in the preparation of the 10K.  Information calling for director qualifications and  contributions to their respective boards will be required. The  questions that have been raised actually open a discussion at  the board level regarding philosophy of skills and  contributions of individual […]

The economic recovery continues to be problematic for the county and, as a result, regulatory pressures on  public companies and their boards remain high with no signs of abating.  Instead of waiting until regulatory  bodies start weighing in on ways to maintain high quality board performance, let’s exert some common  sense and get out ahead […]

Boards must mitigate risk by having a clear destination, getting input if needed, reading the dashboard data, and making judgments. I believe in capitalism’s strength and resilience. With the same  survival-of-the-fittest efficiency living organisms have tapped for  millennia, capitalism will adapt to survive now. But as we work  through this difficult time and try to […]