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Time for the whole Board to ‘step up’
It’s time for Non-Execs to supplement their governance role by working with the whole Board to support organisations through the stresses of change and uncertainty
These are testing times for two Boards I am involved in. The NHS transformation is big, serious and far-reaching. Along with international business global charities are having to shift their geographic focus.
The role of the NED or Trustee is clearly defined through the combined code and the charities commission. Correct advice is given on governance, statutory responsibilities and importantly, ‘leaving one's ego outside the room’. It is true as well that the Chair has a very important role as guide, mentor and performance manager for the CEO.
However, when organisations go through challenging times, particularly when future roles in the organisation
are uncertain or when change is inevitable but not yet defined, there is a vital role for the whole Board to ‘step up’ and demonstrate leadership and support
This is not about committing the fatal error of stepping over the Executive line but it’s about giving the
management team, support, encouragement and sharing personal experience. Empathy combined with the insistence individuals face up to their responsibilities can be energising. Recognising that the ‘corporate body
language’ of the Board and leadership team is watched avidly demands personal responsibility. Difficult times are the point at which visibility, openness and resolution have their real value.
These might sound like ‘old fashioned’ words but they are at the heart of good leaders not corporate
technicians.
David Clayton-Smith