How we strengthened board effectiveness
Challenge
A telecommunications company recognized that a strong relationship between its board and executive team was crucial for strategic and operational success.
To maintain this alignment, the company sought regular, data-driven insights on board performance to identify gaps, assess effectiveness, and ensure the board’s advisory role continued to support company objectives. This continuous feedback was essential for refining board dynamics and enhancing overall governance.
Solution
The company partnered with RHR to implement an annual Board Development Survey to provide a structured review of the board’s strengths and areas for growth. The survey assessed key dimensions including:
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Purpose and strategy: Alignment with the company’s strategic priorities.
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Composition and structure: Optimal board structure and member fit.
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Risk management and safeguards: Preparedness for managing risks, including emergency succession planning.
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Human capital management: Focus on the board’s role in overseeing talent.
RHR and the company collaborated yearly to analyze survey results by holding annual offsites to review findings and develop actionable plans to address identified needs.
Results
Ongoing assessment and development efforts yielded significant improvements across several critical areas:
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Purpose and strategy: 52% improvement in the board’s ability to autonomously set agendas and priorities.
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Composition and structure: 34% increase in confidence that the board had an ideal number of directors.
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Risk management and safeguards: 36% improvement in readiness, with a chief executive officer and critical role-succession plan in place.
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Board renewal: 48% enhancement in directors receiving actionable annual performance feedback.
This partnership enabled the company to strengthen its board’s effectiveness and ensure alignment with corporate goals and building a foundation for sustained governance excellence.
