The following list is a compilation of tactics and behaviors which may seem unconventional, but form the foundations of a resilient business that can sustain conscious growth.
The following 8 points should be internalized and practised with rigor in your business:
1. A willingness to ask probing questions
Look for evidence and examples that your questions utliize the three principle types of Board questions:
Strategic: Why are we doing this, how expansive will this be for our organisation and how does it fit within our vision and strategic plan?
Ethical: Are there any issues of rights, obligations, fairness or integrity in what we plan or do?
Compliance: What does our constitution and relevant law require from us?
2. Consciously seeking truth and verification
Look for evidence and examples that they are not easily influenced by others, are not dependent on a collegial atmosphere, and have sought independent verification of information.
3. A willingness to accept intuition
Look for evidence and examples that they have used their intuition and knowing to assist in making a decision, rather than acting only on other people’s information and assessments.
4. An understanding of risks and consequences
Look for evidence and examples that risk analysis is an integrated component of the decision making process.
5. Automatically considers multiple scenarios
“What if” should be a common filter in broadening your scope of ideas and treatment of problems.
6. Willingness to confront facts and mistakes
Completed without taking a fixed point of view or filtering out the information that is uncomfortable, with the fortitude to identify and correct mistakes.
7. Ownership of performance targets
This is true of the Board and organization. Show evidence of the actions taken to ensure those targets were reached.
8. Acting as custodian of the vision of the organisation
Utilizing the key intents of the Vision as a filter for decision making and resource allocation.
