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Health & Fitness

What Makes a Board Member Great?

You have high aspirations for the future of your small business, so demand high standards when selecting individuals to serve on your company’s Board of Directors.

First and foremost, find someone who cherishes integrity. When integrity is a highly valued personal attribute of the Board candidate, you’ll have reason to believe that she will be on high alert in protecting the integrity of your business. Why? Her personal reputation is entwined with your business’ reputation.

A sense of curiosity, willingness to listen and to learn, and an ability to speak openly and persuasively, are other key attributes of a great director.

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She should also really care about the future of your business, and be willing to put in the time it takes to gain the knowledge needed about your business to spot potential issues, assess risks, provide creative solutions, and provide general oversight.

Of course, it is helpful if the director has business and life experience applicable to your business, and understands financial numbers and people. Director candidates have their own networks of relationships, and a great director would also bring those relationships to bear for the benefit of your business.

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This blog purposefully refers to a director as “she”.  Your business may well benefit from the perspective, life experience and work experience of a female, so explore networks beyond the traditional “boys’ club” when seeking a great director for your business.  A female director just may help you differentiate your business from the competition – a difference that extends beyond the Board room to your business strategy and marketing.

Consultation with a small business lawyer may also help you find great Board candidates and improve your company’s governance procedures.

©2014 Wittenburg Law Office, PLLC. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: This Blog is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. If you have questions, please seek the advice of an attorney. If you are interested in Wittenburg Law’s representation of you, you must contact Wittenburg Law for a determination of whether your matter is one for which Wittenburg Law is willing and able to accept representation of you.

Bonnie Wittenburg, Wittenburg Law Office, PLLC, 601 Carlson Parkway, Suite 1050, Minnetonka, MN 55305         952-649-9771     bonnie@bwittenburglaw.com   www.bwittenburglaw.com

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