Showing Up Well
There’s no shortage of smart, experienced people around the board table. But what truly sets the most effective directors apart? It’s not just what they know—it’s how they show up.
Three things that really matter : Presence, Curiosity, and Credibility. These aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re essential to influence, impact, and leader at the board level.
1️⃣ Presence
To have presence is to be fully there—mentally, emotionally, and energetically. It’s more than attending meetings; it’s about being tuned in, engaged, and intentional in how you contribute.
✅ When you demonstrate presence, you earn the attention and respect of your peers. You create space for thoughtful dialogue, signal that the work matters, and model what good governance looks like.
🔻 Without presence, you become forgettable. You might miss key dynamics, undermine trust, or unintentionally signal that the board’s work is just another checkbox.
Build it by: preparing well, minimizing distractions, and being mindful of how you listen and respond.
2️⃣ Curiosity
Curiosity keeps you sharp. It drives better questions, fuels strategic thinking, and helps you uncover what’s not being said. It shows you're not just there to confirm the obvious—you’re there to explore the unknown.
✅ When you bring curiosity, you challenge assumptions with care, make room for innovation, and inspire others to think more deeply.
🔻 Without curiosity, boards become echo chambers. Groupthink sets in. Risks go unnoticed, opportunities are missed, and conversations become stale.
Build it by: asking thoughtful questions, reading widely, and staying open—even when you think you know the answer.
3️⃣ Credibility
Credibility is your currency. It’s built over time through consistency, preparation, humility, and wise contribution.
✅ When you have credibility, your voice carries weight. Your insights shape decisions. Others turn to you in moments of uncertainty.
🔻 Without it, even good ideas can fall flat. Directors who speak often but offer little substance, or who waver in their views, risk eroding their influence over time.
Build it by: doing your homework, staying grounded in your expertise, and showing integrity in every interaction.
Bottom line: If you bring presence, curiosity, and credibility to the board table, you don’t just sit on the board—you lead on it. You become the kind of director others trust, listen to, and want to serve with again.