COURSE OVERVIEW
This program equips board members with the knowledge and skills needed to develop a compelling vision and business strategies that deliver shareholder value and foster competitive advantage. It explores how boards can make informed leadership decisions that guide effective execution, address evolving leadership needs, and manage critical areas such as board recruitment, succession planning, boardroom dynamics, and executive conflict.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Enhance understanding of strategic challenges arising in today’s global business environment from both internal and external perspectives
• Explore how boards, in partnership with executives, can anticipate and overcome these challenges
• Identify the resources needed to ensure strategies are executed effectively and with minimal conflict
• Engage with current issues, including the impact of digital technology on strategy, organizations, and board responsibilities
• Apply skills in formulating, implementing, and evaluating strategies within a board context
• Strengthen strategic competencies as a board director

TARGET AUDIENCE
This course is designed for both executive and non-executive board members. It is also suitable for senior professionals aspiring to join a board of directors.

TRAINING METHODOLOGY
This practical, results-focused program follows adult learning principles. Facilitators provide structured input, followed by discussion, exercises, role play, and interactive practice. Participants will engage in Q&A, collaborative discussions, and action planning for workplace application. Pre- and post-course assessments measure skill development and training effectiveness.

COURSE CONTENTS

Module 1 – Your Impact as a Board Member

• Focus: Understanding the role and responsibilities of a board director
• Key Topics:
  • Overview of board member roles, responsibilities, and legal obligations
  • Demonstrating alignment as a unitary board
  • Developing and communicating a compelling organizational vision and strategy
  • Reducing strategic missteps and execution failures
  • Understanding the business, its key issues, and stakeholders
  • Assessing colleagues’ behavior, style, agendas, and interests
  • Self-awareness: strengths, weaknesses, and personal contributions

Module 2 – First Steps

• Focus: Understanding the purpose of a board and factors that drive effectiveness
• Key Topics:
  • Executing the board’s four core functions
  • Evaluating board effectiveness
  • Building relationships with the Chair, board members, and executive team
  • Preparing for and actively participating in board meetings
  • Minimizing risk, conflict, and misunderstanding

Module 3 – Creating Value

• Focus: Enhancing board contributions during meetings
• Key Topics:
  • Reviewing minutes, board papers, and reports
  • Preparing relevant questions in advance
  • Maximizing the effectiveness of pre-meetings and sub-committees
  • Understanding expectations from prior meetings and actions
  • Board recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning

Module 4 – Staying Relevant and Credible

• Focus: Board engagement and stakeholder communication
• Key Topics:
  • Communicating board decisions and monitoring results
  • Supporting management in executing organizational plans
  • Ensuring business meets revenue targets and manages costs
  • Defining what makes a board great, relevant, and credible
  • Engaging stakeholders and employees through meetings and sub-committees

Module 5 – Other Ways to Add Value

• Focus: Enhancing board effectiveness through strategic interventions
• Key Topics:
  • Acting as a mentor and coach for executives
  • Serving as an ambassador for the organization
  • Being a critical friend: asking challenging questions
  • Managing diversity within the board
  • Maintaining accountability through proper documentation, conflict of interest management, follow-up, and oversight
  • Knowing when to step back and allow the executive team to operate autonomously