Effective Board Meetings

7. Improving Your Skills

A little training can make a significant difference to the performance of a board.

7.1 Individual training needs analysis will reveal what is required.

• Which directors understand the general duties and liabilities of a director?
• Which directors carry out their role to the required standard?
• Which directors lack experience?

7.2 Being a good chairperson demands skill.

• The shortcomings of the chairperson are often overlooked, particularly if he or she is also the major shareholder.
• The chairperson should receive regular feedback on what could be improved. Consider using a non-exec to conduct a regular appraisal. The non-exec can gather feedback from the whole board.

7.3 Non-execs should receive induction training.

• Put together an information pack about the company's operations. Set up meetings with the key management.