Performance issues on boards are common and typically stem from one of the many key aspects. These include having appropriate people on the board and creating a healthy and safe environment as well as ensuring access to information and conducting regular evaluations. It is important to take the right approach in these areas to improve the business and board.

Board members possess a variety of knowledge regarding specific topics, but if some directors are far ahead of others, this could limit the discussion at meetings. Boards can deal with this by having mandatory training sessions available to all directors on topics of interest like M&A and new geographic areas or regulatory updates. This can help to improve knowledge levels and ensures web that all directors are well-prepared for board meetings.

The board hasn’t created suitable structures and processes for carrying its duties of evaluation such as setting up an internal committee to gather and analyze performance data, or regularly reporting assessment results to the full board for review.

Boards should also consider investing in third-party facilitated evaluations which offer an external source of professionalism and objectiveness that can be lacking in an internal review. Professional evaluations help to in avoiding political gamesmanship, by avoiding accusations and focusing instead on finding a common path for improvement. They can also act as an impartial mediator to address sensitive issues involving group dynamics as well as individual egos. They can offer a roadmap to ensure continuous improvement, which includes measurable plans and time-bound goals. They can also provide guidance that is based on industry research and best practices, assisting the board streamline its processes and improve effectiveness of the board.

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