ARE YOU GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS?

“No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it,” said Einstein. Tunnel vision happens to everyone, especially if you’re closely involved in a subject or situation and have invested time, emotion, even finance, in it.

Covid has certainly created many unexpected challenges for business leaders. With the rapidly changing working environment over the last few years, the need to focus on operational issues has been on the top of most Board agendas, resulting in Directors working in the business, not on the business.

While a New Year is a popular time for reviewing people, processes and products, leaders don’t always take the opportunity to take a long hard look at themselves. Are the Board Dynamics working? Is the decision-making process effective? How are challenges unpicked and reviewed? Are fresh ideas and different insights embraced? How are the Directors continuing to develop themselves as leaders?

No matter your business sector, the size of your Board, or where you are on your leadership journey, many Directors share common frustrations.

COMMON FEELINGS LEADERS EXPERIENCE

•    It’s lonely at the top
•    No-one challenges me
•    I never have time to work on strategy
•    How can I grow as an effective leader?
•    How do I know if I’m a good leader?
•    How have others done it?
•    Where do I go next?
•    Have I got it right?
•    How can I maximise value?
•    Who can I talk to and be honest with?

NEW WAYS OF THINKING

Good leaders listen to other ideas and learn from other people, both within the business (staff and investors) and externally (clients and stakeholders). Great leaders listen and learn from further afield – stepping outside of their organisation to explore new ideas.

And this, is the whole premise of a Leadership Board – a collaborative forum where leaders can work on their business, gain fresh thinking and hone their leadership skills. The Leadership Board is a confidential space, providing a supportive environment for growth as a leader.

Neil Lloyd, Managing Director, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP

It can be lonely at the top, difficult to openly share doubts and frustrations with others within the same organisation or get a fresh input on a situation. That’s why Leadership Boards are so important, they are supportive environments where the diversity of views, the challenge of new thoughts and the desire to learn from each other can reap enormous benefits for leaders.

“There is always an opportunity to gain different insights into how management and leadership can be honed and developed as a skill. Always something to think about, to reflect on and adapt to… it gives you an opportunity to take a step back and think in a safe space, so when you go back to the office you are more effective.”
Sarah Marsden, Technical Director, Arden Fine Foods (UK) Ltd

Are you ready to try something different and get together with other business leaders to resolve your frustrations with fresh thinking.

TASTE THE DIFFERENCE

At Growth Plans our Leadership Board members benefit from the power of collaborative problem-solving and different perspectives, with time away from the office to work on the business in a confidential environment.

Working together in one of our Leadership Boards will give you new ideas, clarity of thinking and better decision-making.

If you’re interested in benefiting from a Leadership Board and/or becoming a member, we are holding a three-hour taster session in early March. Contact Liz for an informal chat to see if Leadership Boards are the right fit for you – lizwhitfield@growth-plans.co.uk