

Feeling pretty good about yourself, eh? You have a good board, you have figured out who and what you have for board members, so now it’s time to “harness value” from this rogue nation of board personalities. Here are two tools that should be in every toolbox that might prove useful to stay focused and drive value — a “Board Norms” document and an “Expectations Agenda.”
These are the top questions directors are asking in their boardrooms so that they can be better prepared for what’s to come, according to The WomenCorporateDirectors Foundation (WCD). The questions, and responses from WCD members, were formulated as a follow-on from WCD’s Americas Institute, which was held this past fall. Directors came from across the globe to Coca-Cola Co.’s headquarters in Atlanta to discuss top board concerns and how directors are preparing themselves for the challenges of 2016 and beyond.
Ed. Note: Each year law firm Akin Gump identifies main challenges that U.S. public companies will face in the coming year. Here is its list of “hot topics for the boardroom” for 2016 (www.akingump.com).
1. Oversee the development of long-term corporate strategy in an increasingly interdependent and volatile world economy
You’ve met the other directors, asked smart questions, reviewed the financials, and ensured there’s good D&O insurance. You can’t wait to tell colleagues that you’ve been selected for a board seat. All seems good — and it probably is.
Directors & Boards Magazine—2013 Fourth Quarter
Directors & Boards Magazine—2010 Third Quarter
Directors & Boards Magazine—2007 Second Quarter
Directors & Boards Magazine—2003 Spring