The Savvy Director

Become the director every board wants at the table.

Learn the habits, skills, and judgment that help great directors make meaningful contributions and drive positive change.

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No matter where you are on your governance journey.

Who is The Savvy Director?

Technical governance knowledge is important, but it's not enough. The most effective directors combine governance expertise with judgment, emotional intelligence, curiosity, courage, and practical wisdom. That's what it means to be a Savvy Director.

Savvy Directors understand that being on a board of directors is all about people - how they think, behave and interact in the boardroom. That's why they're the directors every board wants at the table.

The Savvy Director Blog

Weekly insights for directors who want to make a meaningful contribution.

No matter where you are on your governance journey, The Savvy Director blog has something for you.

Developing directors gain practical guidance to help them build confidence.
Accomplished directors discover fresh perspectives on boardroom challenges.
Board leaders find insights to help improve their board's effectiveness.

Each week, we share observations and reflections drawn from the realities of board service. Through timely commentary and practical insights, the blog helps directors strengthen the habits and judgment that distinguish effective contributors in the boardroom.

With more than 200 articles in our archive, you can explore content through the lens of the Savvy Director Framework, making it easier to find relevant content. With a single click, you can translate any blog post into French, Spanish, and many other languages.

Look for a new edition every Sunday morning.

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The Savvy Director Framework

The Savvy Director Framework brings clarity to what great directors actually do – not just in the boardroom, but throughout their ongoing development. These Six Key Habits form a practical, repeatable cycle that helps directors build stronger judgment, hold better conversations, and have a greater impact around the board table.

The Six Key Habits of The Savvy Director

1. Build Governance Skills

Access the resources you need to understand the board’s stewardship role and your director responsibilities.

2. Prepare for Meetings

Spend plenty of time before each meeting so you're ready to add real value to board and committee discussions.

3. Ask Great Questions

Stay curious. Help the board move forward with powerful questions that get to the heart of the issues.

4. Collaborate with Others

Treat the board and management with respect. Work toward reaching a common understanding.

5. Think Independently

See with your own eyes. Be aware of your biases, avoid Groupthink, and challenge assumptions.

6. Demonstrate Courage

Act with integrity and hold to a higher standard. Don't be afraid to do the right thing for the right reasons.

"Love reading your Sunday morning blogs, they inspire me to be a Savvy Director. Happy Sunday!"

Deborah Rosati
Founder & CEO, Women Get on Board Inc.

"I look forward to Scott's blog. Many of them are conveniently placed in my home office for easy reference."

Brian Brown
Board Director, Marymound Inc.

"I look forward to reading The Savvy Director and I've shared it with others."

Brenda La Rose
Board Director, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

"I always look forward to The Savvy Director email. It helps me think about important issues and reflect on competencies that make me a more effective director."

Tom Bryk
Board Chair, Manitoba Blue Cross