How to Work with the Board of Directors

Now that you have selected the board, and have all the legal structures in place, how can you work with them to maximize the benefits? Here are Spartina’s top tips:

1. Keep them informed
2. Be open to feedback without being defensive
3. Create and stick to a process of Board evaluation on a regular basis
4. Respect boundaries

Keep them informed

Nothing disturbs trust more than bad news sprung as a surprise. Be fearless about keeping your board informed of both good and bad news regarding the company’s progress. Simple information, without added hysteria or drama, will keep the board on your side, and convey that you are running the business in a calm and confident way, no matter what waves come your way.

Similarly, if a change in the business model or direction takes place, bring the Board on board as soon as possible, so that they hear the news first, rather than from the grapevine.

Consider regular reporting to the board as a main part of your job. Every email that you send that keeps them up to date, also keeps them on your side. This is not about sending trivial information, but be sure they are with you through the turns of events that normally occur. Also read our article on Successful Board Meetings .

Open to Feedback

As you selected board members who have diverse opinions, respect the fact that you may not always like what they have to say. Whether you like the opinions or agree with them, you can still be gracious and welcome the input. It is up to you to find a way to work with the input. However, blocking someone from expressing their ideas will create a closed board, depriving you of other points of view.

Board Evaluation

Recent business failures have revealed a fundamental weakness in monitoring board performance. It is important that right up front, everyone agrees to a model of evaluation, either peer or self-evaluating, so that the board can continue to grow and shape itself as needed.

Respect Boundaries

The Board of Directors, while holding some fiduciary responsibility, is not responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company. It is imperative to keep clear boundaries between board business and operational business. Employees are responsible to their management team, not to the Board of Directors. Be sensitive to what information you should and should not bring to the board’s attention.