16 Executive Series Digest hrreporter.com
board of directors
D
ealing with the board of directors is a
critically important task for senior ex-
ecutives — yet there's usually no formal
training or preparation on how to do so
effectively.
"e higher any executive rises
within an organization, the more time
he or she is going to spend interfacing
with the board — whether that's the
CHRO, the CEO, the chief financial
officer. Yet, amazingly, most people receive absolutely no
training or guidance," said Beverly Behan, New York-based
president of Board Advisor, at a recent Strategic Capability
Network event in Toronto.
"When you take an MBA or a law degree, nobody
teaches you how to work with a board of directors. Most
people learn that from watching their boss, and they pick
up good and bad habits along the way."
BoarD
rElationS
101
Effectively dealing with
directors is critical — but
it's not something you
learn in school
By Liz Bernier