By Julie Garland McLellan on November 21, 2011
Graham worked as a management consultant assisting the national operations of a company that has grown over twenty years acquiring ‘non-family’ shareholders who now account for 40% of the capital. The founder’s son, who owns 10% of the shares, heads an overseas division and is a director. The founder retains the remaining 50% and is [...]
By Julie Garland McLellan on July 17, 2011
Some considerations to assist in developing an effective board composition.
By Julie Garland McLellan on July 2, 2011
Probably the most important procedure that the board will undertake is the board meeting. At this meeting members of the board obtain and exchange information from each other and from the executive team, establish the objectives of the organisations, take decisions on courses of action and investments, delegate authority to the management team, and jointly [...]
By Julie Garland McLellan on June 1, 2011
Here are some thoughts I put together on the issue of board gender balance. I would love to have your feedback on these.
By Julie Garland McLellan on April 18, 2011
When the Lead Independent Director role was first introduced it was viewed with suspicion. Now, in companies where the incumbent has performed well, it is viewed as an essential component of board success.
By Julie Garland McLellan on March 24, 2011
I wish I had a dollar for every article on the latest buzz-word that every board should worry about. Or fifty cents for every list of twenty questions board members should ask about the craze. I would hate to be on a board that was so easily sidetracked from their real concern; running the company so that it achieves what it was set up to achieve.
By Carter McNamara on March 20, 2011
As demands for Board effectiveness and accountability continue to grow, research and discussions about how Boards might operate differently, continue to grow, as well. There are a variety of new ideas for Board models. Networked Governance David Renz suggests that the effectiveness of governance could be enhanced when we realize that governance can include organizations [...]
By Julie Garland McLellan on January 31, 2011
Leadership development is an important aspect of the director role, and not just something that is recommended for executives. All directors should review their own leadership skills from time to time and determine what and how to improve.
By Julie Garland McLellan on December 29, 2010
Three common issues that can hamper even skilled, ethical and intelligent directors: conflicted relationships, committee thinking and shareholding!
By Julie Garland McLellan on December 15, 2010
Many directors of Government owned enterprises take up the role because they want to have an effect on the organisation and, through the organisation, on the society they live in and will bequeath to their children. Even directors who do not profess a burning sense of mission will admit to a deep sense of responsibility for organisational and societal outcomes. Only directors who can apply their passion in a board-appropriate manner will successfully manage to influence events and corporations. Few directors receive any training in how to do this.