Performance is a matter of having the right people on a board, as well as the right number of people. Some boards are too big, bloated with an accumulation of members who, while respected, may no longer fulfill important governance responsibilities. In too many organizations, membership is a matter of privilege and prestige—based on who people know rather than what they know. Term limits are not enforced, leading to excess.
In other organizations, a board might be too thin. The membership roster might seem appropriate or typical, but is it enough to encompass the breadth of strategic priorities that a firm or organization has?
In other words, boards must be the right size for their charge. We recommend “right-sizing” as a regular, healthy activity that all boards should engage in. Right-sizing doesn’t have to mean a culling of the herd or complete restructuring of the board. In many cases, it can serve to validate a board’s current composition, enabling tweaks to an already high-performing body of individuals.
How is it done? Here are some basic elements of preparing for and executing a board rightsizing:
1. Assess member skills. The skill sets of board members may not align with the current and future strategic needs of the organization. Through skills assessment, the board can identify gaps and overlaps that may be inhibiting its effectiveness.
2. Push members outside their comfort zones. Develop skills and abilities of current board members through stretch assignments and serving on committees where they learn and grow. Before any reshuffling takes place, can current members fill strategic gaps and needs with support?
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
