Board of Directors blog posts focus on how to be a productive board member, and how to establish governance priorities, and the best practices. They also discuss specific issues for employees of stock ownership plan ("ESOP") owned companies and other topics relevant to directors' boards in general.

A good governance board is one that is curious, engaged in the larger goals of the company, and comfortable in a marketplace or the world in which the company wants to make an impact. It also means that the board is supported in speaking up when they see things that aren't working and is able to coach. It is a clear structure that balances the power. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work well.

A lot of people who serve on boards are bored and unengaged. This could be due to a lack of enthusiasm, the culture within their company, or their own personalities. Some board members don't know what their role is. Others are aware they're not performing at the top of their game.

This article is aimed at the second group of people who have been offered or are currently taking seats on governance boards but have a difficult time being productive and active. This isn't a slam on Johns and Daves, but a reflection of the process that leads to board positions (and C-level roles). The article provides some elements to change the game. Diversity of thought is often created by different genders, ages, and ethnicity, education, context, and experience.