Boards are under increasing pressure to improve their performance.

They must demonstrate they are effective, operate by the highest standards of governance and are successful at instilling a culture of good governance throughout their organization.

There is no mystery.

Better performing boards inevitably engage in frequent performance reviews, embrace feedback, and expand the efforts required to remove hurdles to higher performance.

While structure and processes are necessary pillars of board effectiveness, the key to achieving and sustaining high performance is social. In essence, a board is a team of experienced professionals who convene on a part-time basis to govern an organization.

Effectively addressing the human element of boards is essential if directors are to successfully create long-term value fo their organizations, fulfil their duties and provide effective oversight of management.