Boardroom Directors: Caught in the Matrix

Building a system to evaluate the leadership's ability to meet corporate goals.

Nominating committees and CEOs need to ask hard, fundamental questions about their own boards and their board's ability to formulate and govern effective and ethical business strategies. One way to know where you stand is to draw a basic matrix chart. Along the top, list the skill sets your board will require to move the company toward its future goals. Down the left-hand column, list each director. Then begin to check the skills that each current director brings to the board. This is a simple way to see if there are gaps in needed areas.

This matrix chart can also apply to fundamental types of skill sets. For instance, are the directors qualified to perform the critical oversight function? Does each director truly understand the business today? Do they have a track record of excellence in his/her own field? Will each be additive to the board culture and make us a more dynamic group given their individual participation?