Board Composition and Corporate Governance Director
Contextual assessment to reduce unconscious bias - frictionless realtime - quick decision making on candidates
4/23/24
Marilyn Monroe
Values - my assessment of the candidate's abilities
1. Communication & Interpersonal Skills
You have some ability in communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with directors, management, and other stakeholders.
2. Analytical and Problem Solving Skills
You have the ability to analyze complex governance issues and propose effective solutions.
3. Discretion and Confidentiality
You have the ability to maintain the utmost discretion and confidentiality regarding sensitive board discussions and information.
Situational Behavioral Questions - Values - my assessment of the candidate's abilities
Discretion and Confidentiality
During a board meeting, you witness a director potentially violating board confidentiality rules by sharing sensitive information with an outside party. How would you navigate this situation?
"As a Board Governance Director, I witness a fellow director, let's call them Director X, sharing what appears to be sensitive company information during a board meeting. While I cannot be certain of the content without context, it raises a red flag regarding potential violation of board confidentiality rules."
Task: Explain your responsibility and the challenge:
"My responsibility is to ensure the board operates in accordance with established governance practices, which includes maintaining confidentiality of sensitive company information. The challenge lies in addressing the situation discreetly while upholding the importance of confidentiality."
Action: Detail the steps you would take:
Direct Approach During Break: "During a scheduled break in the meeting, I would approach Director X discreetly. I would express my concern that the information shared might be considered confidential and inquire if they intended to share it externally."
Clarification and Education: "Depending on their response, I would clarify the board's confidentiality policy and emphasize the importance of protecting sensitive information. This approach aims to address the issue through gentle education if it was an unintentional oversight."
Escalation If Necessary: "If Director X is dismissive or insists on sharing the information, I would explain the potential consequences of a breach, including legal ramifications and reputational damage to the company. As a last resort, I would excuse myself and discreetly inform the chair or CEO about the situation, seeking their guidance on how to proceed."
Result: Highlight the desired outcome:
"The desired outcome is to ensure the director refrains from sharing confidential information outside the boardroom. By addressing it directly and emphasizing the importance of confidentiality, we can potentially rectify the situation without disrupting the board meeting or creating undue tension."
Skills - my assessment of the candidate's abilities
1. Board Composition Expertise - Director Identification & Recruitment
You are highly skilled at identifying, recruiting, and onboarding qualified directors. This involves understanding the company's needs and strategically seeking candidates with diverse backgrounds,
2. Board Composition Expertise - Board Assessment & Succession Planning
You have some proficiency in conducting regular board evaluations to assess performance and identify areas for improvement. This includes developing a robust succession plan ensures a smooth transition when board members reach their term limits or step down.
3. Board Composition Expertise - Diversity and Inclusion
You have some skills in advocating for diversity and inclusion on the board. This involves actively seeking directors from various genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds to bring a well-rounded perspective to decision-making.
4. Board Composition Expertise - Board Committee Structure
You have an understanding best practices for board committee structures and their functionalities (e.g., audit, compensation, nominating & governance). May also involve advising on the creation or restructuring of committees to optimize board effectiveness.
5. Business Ethics and Compliance
Your track record of experience in corporate integrity, conflict of interest, confidentiality and data protection, prevention of bribery, ethical marketing and fair competition, corporate social responsibility — health and safety and fair labour.
6. Board & Management Relations
You are highly skilled in facilitating a constructive working relationship between the board and management, ensuring clear communication and alignment on strategic goals and governance practices.
7. Board & Committee Processes:
You have knowledge of effective board and committee meeting processes, including agenda setting, materials preparation, and facilitation of productive discussions.
Situational Behavioral Questions - Skills - my assessment of the candidate's abilities
Board Composition Expertise - Diversity and Inclusion
A new board member from a different cultural background expresses feeling excluded during discussions. How would you address this situation and promote inclusivity on the board?
Situation: Briefly acknowledge the situation – a new board member from a different cultural background feels excluded during discussions.
Task: Explain your role as Board Governance Director in fostering inclusivity.
Action: Detail the steps you would take to address the situation and promote inclusivity:
One-on-One Meeting: Schedule a private meeting with the new board member to understand their specific concerns and experiences of feeling excluded. This demonstrates your empathy and commitment to open communication.
Active Listening: Actively listen to their perspective without judgment. This could reveal cultural differences in communication styles (direct vs. indirect communication) or comfort levels in speaking up.
Review Board Dynamics: Reflect on the board's overall dynamics. Is there a dominant voice or group? This will help identify potential areas for improvement.
Inclusive Practices: Discuss and propose ways to promote a more inclusive environment, such as:
Encouraging Participation: Implement strategies to solicit input from all board members, like rotating discussion leaders or using round-robin formats.
Respectful Communication: Remind all board members to practice respectful and active listening, allowing space for diverse perspectives.
Clarification and Encouragement: If the new member hesitates to speak due to cultural norms, politely ask clarifying questions or gently encourage them to share their thoughts.
Cultural Sensitivity Training: Consider proposing cultural sensitivity training for the entire board to foster understanding and appreciation of diverse communication styles.
Result: Highlight the anticipated outcome:
Improved Communication: By addressing the situation proactively and implementing inclusive practices, you aim to create an environment where all board members feel comfortable contributing their expertise and perspectives.
Stronger Board Performance: A more inclusive board leverages the diverse experiences and viewpoints of its members, leading to better decision-making and overall board performance.
Score
35 / 55
Overall Recommendation
3.5 - 4.25 = Potential hire - proceed to next step
A good hire