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 […]

There are countless books on best practices for employee motivation. An Amazon search yields more than 8,000 titles. Combined with lectures and journal articles, you could probably spend the next two years wading through all the information. Many of these writings were sound and offered excellent tools. I intentionally used the past tense “were” and […]

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 […]

This past month I participated as a panelist at two governance functions – The 3rd Annual Directors Education Workshop sponsored by GE and The Millstein Center for Corporate Governance and Performance at the Yale School of Management. Both were stimulating events that provided an overview of the best thinking today on current, challenging governance issues. […]

The new normal for many consumers includes eating out once every two weeks instead of every one, getting a haircut every eight weeks instead of six and turning off lights to save on electricity bills. Lifestyle changes and drastic cutbacks in spending have had a profound impact on businesses, including layoffs, pay cuts, unpaid time […]