Elizabeth Walmsley: Courage in the Board Room -- Can Coaching Play a Role in Sustaining Board Effectiveness?
Whereas coaching for executive directors is quite common, it is rare to
hear about coaching for the non executive director (NED). A recent
survey by the The Change Partnership indicates that 50% of NEDs had
received training on corporate governance but only 25% had any training
in leadership and behavioural aspects of the role. We have just
concluded a major piece of work with over 200 FTSE 100/250 companies
and major public organisations on 'What makes a great board Chairman'.
This research emphasises the need for effective behaviours over
technical competence and higher order interpersonal skills. EQ over IQ.
Recent recommendations on governance have caused a major shift in board room practice and board composition. These in turn are changing the roles and responsibilities of the whole board. Past expectations are shifting rapidly to face this new era and not all boards have fully woken up to the implications.
Our research indicated that some of the leading criteria for effectiveness -- creating a climate for open challenge and debate, low ego, predisposition to communication, working with diversity -- are still quite rare. In this session we will share the results of this research and explore the potential role that coaching can take in raising board performance.
Elizabeth Walmsley is a director of The Change Partnership and has coached and mentored senior businessmen and woman across all sectors both within and outside the UK. Liz has a wide range of business and leadership experience in finance, not-for-profit and commercial organisations. She has built profitable international enterprises, managed strong-minded boards and multicultural teams and brings the calm and self assurance that comes from this experience to her coaching work. She has personally worked with and led significant change in corporate and voluntary organisations. She is passionate about the positive engagement of diversity and has led major projects in cultural change and women's career development.