The Savvy Director Blog

Board diversity only delivers value when every director feels comfortable contributing. This article explains the causes of silence in the boardroom and offers ways to encourage participation and strengthen engagement.

Does it sometimes feel as though you hear from the same few directors at every board meeting? What about all the others? Why do they stay silent? And more importantly, what can be done about it?

These days, many boards are consciously pursuing more diversity around the board...

This blog supports directors who struggle to speak up in the boardroom. It provides practical strategies to build confidence, prepare thoroughly, and contribute meaningfully, especially for new and diverse directors.

Sometimes I hear from board directors who are struggling to find their voice in the boardroom. They don’t feel comfortable speaking up, or they can’t seem to make themselves heard.

It can be a particular challenge for newcomers to the board, or for those who feel outnumbered b...

Effective directors interpret information through multiple perspectives. This post explains how using strategy, people, finance, and risk lenses sharpens focus, strengthens oversight, and enhances boardroom contribution.

In our recent Savvy Director blog post, Focus on What Matters, I wrote about the importance of boards staying focused on mission-critical issues. With the flood of board materials, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds. Board meetings are filled with reports, updates, and disc...

Kindness in the boardroom isn't about avoiding conflict, it’s about acting in the best interests of others, even when difficult truths must be shared. This article highlights how directors can balance empathy with accountability.

Does kindness have a place in the boardroom?

Lately I’ve read a few interesting articles about the value of being kind vs. being nice. It got me thinking about how this distinction applies to a board of directors.

The Savvy Director understands that being effective...

This blog emphasizes the importance of focusing on mission‑critical issues to maximize a board’s impact. It helps directors distinguish signal from noise, avoid operational distractions, and keep discussions aligned with purpose.

Let’s start with a fundamental truth in the world of boards — whether they’re non-profit, private company, publicly traded, or charity boards. Board directors wear many hats — but they don’t wear them every day. Unlike staff, directors aren’t embedded in the organiza...

New directors often feel like they’re playing catch‑up when joining a board. This post explains how to understand the people, context, and strategy, so you can ask better questions, speak up, and influence the journey.

Joining a new board of directors is like getting on a bus – one that’s already full of people and is well on its way to its destination.

The tricky part is that the bus isn’t stationary. Even as you hop on, it’s already moving.

Whether it’s your first bus ride or you’re a vet...

This blog explores when and how a board should speak publicly, and why clear communication protocols are essential to effective governance. It outlines who should represent the board, how to align with management, and how to maintain credibility with stakeholders.

Whenever I spot the word “governance” in a headline, I notice it. So, a recent article in our local news feed caught my attention. It described issues on the board of a well-known public institution, then went on to say that the b...

Board dysfunction is rarely just about structure. It’s about how directors behave and interact. This post offers actionable ways to strengthen board culture, resolve conflict, and elevate team performance.

If you find your board work a less than enjoyable experience, and board meetings boring and frustrating, maybe you’re part of a dysfunctional board.

When it comes to a board of directors, dysfunction tends to arise from two broad areas – process and people. You’re probably not surprised t...

From search strategy to final selection, hiring a CEO involves a series of critical decisions. This post provides guidance for managing the process effectively, minimizing risk, and choosing a leader who fits the strategy and culture.

Over the years I’ve been involved in more than a few searches for a new CEO, and, I have to say, it’s got to be one of the most nerve-wracking processes that a board of directors undertakes. There is just so much riding on that one decision. It’s a process tha...

This blog explores how AI tools can help directors strengthen their independent thinking, ask better questions, and prepare for discussions more effectively. It shows how AI can be a thinking partner without replacing judgment.

If you’ve been hesitant to try AI, you’re not alone — and you’re not behind. Many board directors are still figuring out where AI fits into their governance work.

The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to benefit from AI. You just need to be curious and w...