The Savvy Director Blog

In complex board decisions, there is rarely a single “right” answer. This post explains how considering opposing viewpoints strengthens analysis, improves dialogue, and enhances decision quality.

One valuable skill for board directors in any organization is the ability to consider an issue from multiple perspectives.

Being able to see both sides of any issue allows us to thoroughly evaluate risks and benefits, balance stakeholder interests, anticipate challenges and objections, and make info...

Good decisions often require time to think. This article explores how boards can use “soak time” to reflect on complex issues and avoid rushed or emotionally driven outcomes.

“That’s a big decision. I’m going to sleep on it.”

What kinds of decisions require additional time to consider?

• Maybe someone has made you a job offer - but it feels like it might not be the right move.
• Or let’s say you are a CEO who needs to decide between two outstanding candidates for the CFO position. Both are g
...

This blog explains how directors can challenge management without damaging relationships. It shows how constructive challenge improves decision-making with thoughtful questioning, collaboration, and respect.

One of our duties as board directors is to challenge management. Some directors find it hard to challenge because they don’t want to offend. Others are eager to challenge but end up leaving resentment and hard feelings behind.

How can we find a balance so we can fulfill our duty and yet ...

This blog explains how overanalyzing information can delay important board decisions. It shows how directors can balance careful analysis with timely action.

How much information is enough for a board to make a decision with impact?

The best boards can make decisions without perfect information. Waiting for perfect information often results in a missed opportunity. Analysis paralysis is a description applied to the inability to make a timely decision while waiting for more and more data. I’d...

This blog explains how decision fatigue affects the quality of board decisions and what can be done to prevent it. It offers practical techniques to improve decision-making through better energy management.

At its core, a board of directors is the ultimate decision-making body for an organization. The board’s ability to make sound decisions based on consideration of reliable facts, coupled with the good judgment of its individual members, is a key element of organizational success.

That make...

This blog explains how Groupthink undermines board decision-making and how to recognize it. It provides practical strategies to encourage healthy debate and better outcomes.

You’ve read the material. You’ve seen the presentation. You’ve listened to management’s request. Now it’s time for the board to make a decision. It’s an important decision, too. You’re expecting a robust discussion.

But the room is quiet. Maybe a couple of directors ask a question or two, just for clarification. Now it l...

This blog explains how accurate thinking helps directors distinguish between facts and opinions. It shows how better thinking leads to better board decisions.

Accurate thinking is a process that helps us differentiate between relevant and irrelevant facts. It’s an important skill to have whether we’re reviewing board materials, presentations, books, newspapers, or even when watching our favorite political news television channel.

The phrase was coined by success guru Napoleon Hill in the 19...

Directors often see what they expect to see. This article explores confirmation bias and how it can lead to flawed decisions in the boardroom.

Here’s a familiar scenario for most board directors. You’re reviewing management reports in preparation for an upcoming board meeting. There’s a report on a just-completed project, or maybe a proposal for a new one. You take a quick look. Ho-hum. Nothing new there. It’s just as you thought – the project was a success and the proposal makes sense.

Mayb...

This blog explores how boards make decisions and why group decision-making can go wrong. It offers practical ways to improve decision quality through better questioning and process.

We all believe that groups make better decisions than individuals. There’s power in numbers, isn’t there? Otherwise, a board of directors might just as well consist of one person.

But is it true? Do groups really make better decisions?

How do groups go about making decisions, anyway? More importantly, how should...

Boards often prefer familiar approaches, even when change is needed. This article explores status quo bias and how to overcome it in the boardroom.

Have you noticed that even a board made up of individual creative thinkers can prefer the status quo over change? If you’ve noticed this tendency, what you’re seeing is status quo bias – just another cognitive bias that affects our decision-making.

You know the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” In other words, if things are working, we’r...