Before you say “Yes”

Before you say “Yes”:

Questions Prospective Directors Should Ask Before Joining a Board

The following is adapted from a class given at the Institute of Corporate Directors Corporate Governance College 2005:

1. What are the unique challenges facing this organization and industry over the next 3 to 5 years?
2. What are the current circumstances of this organization, in what direction is it trending and what strategies is it pursuing?
3. What issues is the Board dealing with now and what is emerging on the Board’s agenda?
4. What skills, competencies and experience are the Board looking to add?
5. What are the style, expertise and strength of the Chair?
6. What is the Board’s culture and how well managed is the Board? Is the board “engaged”?
7. Who else is on the Board and what do they bring do the table? How stimulating will Board and committee work be?
8. What is the strength and depth of leadership talent in the organization?
9. What is the relationship like between Board and management?
10. What risks does the organization face (seen and unforeseen)?
11. What is the “integrity” of the organization and leadership?
12. Why do they want me? What are they expecting me to bring to the table?
13. Do the organization and its challenges excite me?
14. How do the time, skills, competencies, experience and preferred work style I have fit with what the organization needs now and into the future?