Boardroom Success: The Secret Sauce

As a storyteller who helps C-level executives find their authentic voice, I've seen firsthand how communication shapes leadership. But what is the key to great governance? How does leadership show itself. And what really happens behind the scenes?

I reveal all...

Beyond the Boardroom: the Hidden Truths of Great Governance

I had the privilege of sitting down with three exceptional board members – Garry Browne AM, Sara Harrup and Ian Hamm MAICD FIPAA. As fellow Non-Executive Directors, we delved deep to unearth the unspoken dynamics of great governance.

And what we discovered might surprise you.

You see, many people think of a board meeting as the main event: the podium, the stage, the place where all the magic happens. But as Gary Browne shared, the truth is far more nuanced. He told us that, years ago as a new board member, he was shocked to find that the most critical work wasn't in the meeting at all.

"The things that surprised me were what went on in between board meetings," he said. It's in the in-between time that relationships are built, issues are socialized, and true alignment begins to form.

As Sara Harrup put it, all board work is "highly intentional". This isn't just a time to rest between meetings, but a critical period of preparation and collaboration.

Great governance isn't just functional

What struck me most during our recent conversation was this consistent theme: great governance isn't a functional, i-dotting, t-crossing process, but a deeply human one. It's about building trust, fostering real relationships, and having the courage to align on a shared vision. It’s about more than just the “what” and the “how,” it’s about the “why.”

Below, I’ve distilled some of the most powerful insights from our conversation. Whether you’re an executive aspiring to the board, a seasoned director, or a CEO looking to strengthen your partnership with your board, these takeaways are for you.

I hope they give you a fresh perspective and perhaps a hint of that quirky, courageous spirit we need more of in our boardrooms.

TAKEAWAY 1: A lot of board work is unseen

Behind the scenes, a lot goes on. In many instances, the most important contributions happen between meetings, not just during them. And if it's not before meetings, it's after them. The real change takes place during committees, conversations and non-board time. This isn't just bridge-building. It's decision-making. And it often happens long before decisions are made, officially.

TAKEAWAY 2: There's a gap between the exec & the board

Board members have often been executives in the past. But executives haven't often sat on boards. If execs get the chance to see what happens behind the scenes from the perspective of a NED - even if it's on non-profit or advisory boards - they should take the opportunity! It massively improves the director’s mindset and perspective... In fact, I'd advise every single person to sit on a board meeting if they can.

TAKEAWAY 3: Boards aren't just being critical. They want clearer communication

Give us a narrative and we'll buy in to your mission. When executives provide a narrative with their data it helps board members understand the context. It may even forestall lengthy delays and more preparation so that a decision can be made at THIS board meeting, not the next one. In short, it saves everyone time and improves decision making.

TAKEAWAY 4: What makes CEOs loved or loathed?

Yes, CEOs are expected to deliver results. But it's the CEO’s character that makes the biggest difference. Boards love transparent, emotionally intelligent CEOs and loathe defensive, manipulative ones. Admittedly - it's not always possible to tell if a CEO is one way during a board meeting and another in real life. But great boards will dig to discover if / when something is amiss.

TAKEAWAY 5: The alignment myth

Believe it or not, alignment is a choice. When a board and the CEO are aligned there is a shared destiny. It reduces conflict (although healthy disagreement is always important), builds understanding and improves collaboration. With alignment, everyone benefits: employees, shareholders, other stakeholders and - ultimately - the organisation's customers.

Ultimately, the most profound insight was about shared purpose. Ian painted a powerful picture of an organization with a clear "destiny" – a long-term vision that unites everyone, from the executive team to the board. It’s this alignment on the "why" that makes the "what" and "how" fall into place, enabling a deep sense of trust and a path toward collective success.

So what's the "Secret Sauce"

This webinar is a powerful reminder that behind every great board is a group of people working together with courage, wisdom, and a shared sense of purpose.

The secret - in fact - is that board members are just teams of humans. Like any team, anywhere in the world. They just see things at a different level. And ask the right questions.

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• Then, when you're ready to improve your board-level communication book a meeting.