Welcome to Module 6: On Board!
In this module…
You will learn about:
– what to expect with your appointment
– what first steps to take as a Director
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On Board!
Sitting at the Board table…
Oh, what a feeling! You’ve possibly spent a lots of time dreaming about this moment! Sitting at the Board table, in a Boardroom, ready for some Board talk?! You may be the only new Board member or you may be joined by other new Board members.
Often at this point, whether you’re a first-time or seasoned Board member, you can expect to have some nerves. Many have expressed feeling like an imposter, as though they don’t deserve to be there! When you get there, no need for concern. This is a transformative time and it can sometimes take a while to settle in, get to know everyone, get to know the organisation, and get to know the sector or industry in greater detail. It also takes time to get your head around what the challenges and opportunities are in your organisation in order to make a difference.
You can expect to attend Board meetings, be appointed to a Sub-Committee, receive meeting papers and have lots of questions! You will also have many discussions with your Chair and colleagues, and these will occur both inside and outside the formal Board meetings, helping you to grasp your role effectively!
Settling in…
As a new Director on a Board, there are a few necessary actions to initiate your role, involvement and contribution. These include:
– Complete any forms required; completing contact detail forms and consent forms, for example.
– Declare any Conflicts of Interest; providing details of disclosures of any actual or perceived conflicts.
– Obtain an Induction; gaining relevant information about your role through hard-copies, soft-copies, links or presentations.
– Learn Board practices; understanding procedures such as internal and external communications, for example.
– Meet key personnel; meeting external and internal personnel including the Executive team and Managerial group, for example.
– Ask lots of questions; seeking further context of matters both in and out of Board meetings.
Key message…
To understand more about what to expect when you start on a Board, watch the following video.
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Task 1: Imposter syndrome
Listen to the following 14-minute TED talk by Mike Cannon-Brooks, founder of software company Atlassian. Click on the button below.
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Task 2: Learnings
You’ve gained significant insight and new skills throughout this course. The aim of this exercise is to reflect and think about what you’ve learnt about Boards. Take the opportunity to consider questions like those below. You may pose some other questions to yourself.
– How your perceptions have changed about opportunities to make a difference?
– How your thinking has changed about Boards?
– What would you do differently?
– Any other questions you have about Boards, Committees and Directorships that you want to seek answers to?
A worksheet for your Reflections is available below for you to download.
Task 3: The new YOU!
Given you’ve undertaken a personal transformation process, take this opportunity to physically look in the mirror or phone. The reason for this exercise is to see the new person with a new mindset, new thinking and new skills.
Take a photo! This is a new version of YOU! Use this photo to update any profile documentation, especially those out on public display and also ready for your next Board application!
Smile…!
Take a few minutes to think about this a little further…an ultimate vision of you. What does that look like? What’s the next image? Think about some key words which also describe it. Write some notes then use this to develop a poster or something which includes your new photo, other images, etc so can see everyday.
There is a Vision Poster Ideas notes page in your workbook to compile your thoughts.
Task 4: Personal Board Plan
Having largely completed this course, you will have developed a new perspective about Boards and the opportunities available to you. In light of lifelong learning, experience and development, this final task involves the preparation of your own personal Board Plan.
Using the Board Plan worksheet provided in your workbook, use what you’ve learnt throughout the course, in each of the modules, and think about the following:
– What skills are you keen to further develop to help value add to your Board roles and advance your Board career?
– Is there anything you’re particularly interested in?
– What differences and influence you’re keen to make?
– What actions might you wish to take.
– What timeframes do you want to set.
Consider the various directions you’re heading in across all parts of your life, both personal and professional. Remember to seek guidance and support from those you trust.
Most importantly while you’re preparing this:
– Don’t overcommit yourself
– Review your plan annually.
– Make the journey enjoyable!
The Board Plan notes page is in your workbook to compile your thoughts.
Oh the places you’ll go!
– Dr Seuss
You’re in the Boardroom…
The outcomes of this module is to provide and equip you with four important strengths to help you to settle into Board life. These will enable you to undertake your role and responsibilities as a Director and recognise the benefits of your journey to the Boardroom.
The four key outcomes of Module 6 are:
1. Information: The details and knowledge you receive will help you to learn more about your Board and your organisation, to exercise your thinking for deliberation with your Board.
2. Decisions: Asking the right questions will help you develop a greater understanding and appreciation of matters for effective decision-making.
3. Difference: Equipped with knowledge and developing your decision-making skills, you are able to make a positive contribution to the outcomes of your Board.
4. Celebrate: Kick up your heels with the fulfillment of meaningfully contributing to positive outcomes and achieving your goals!
Congratulations…
Well done on completing Module 6 of the course. The final Module to help realise your Board opportunities.
To ensure you’ve captured what to expect in the Boardroom, the last checklist is attached below for you!
The Module 6 checklist is available in your workbook.
Congratulations on your significant steps in your Board journey and achievements to date…
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