Creating Effective Organisational Boards

Oluchi Chibuzor

Organisers of the TEXEM Masterclass have said the forthcoming training will afford participants the opportunity to learn everything they need to know about how to create and manage effective organisational boards.

World renowned Professor Andrew Chambers, would be sharing insights about how to develop and lead purpose-driven organisational boards at the training scheduled for April 10 and 11, 2019, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Chambers started his career as an auditor and IT consultant with Arthur Andersen & Co, before moving on to run an internal audit function of a manufacturing company. He was the world’s first professor of internal auditing.

He was awarded the IIA (UK)’s Distinguished Service Award (2008) and then the global IIA’s Bradford Cadmus Memorial Award ‘to honour individuals who have made the most significant contribution to the advancement of the internal audit profession
“Few things in organisations are as important as well as well managed effective and efficient boards. But in a world that fast-changing technologies is the new normal, the composition, capacity and the role of organisational boards when optimised could be a veritable source of sustainable competitive advantage.

“In many emerging economies like Nigeria characterised by volatile economic and regulatory ecosystem, limited infrastructure, weak institutions and the high cost of operations, the structure, administration and strategies of boards have become even more complicated, critical and could actually make or mar the progress of organisations.

“Volatilities increase risks and accentuate the role of boards for organisational success.
“It’s critical for boards to enhance their capacity on how to provide strategic direction, optimise decisions to strike a balance between risk management and developing a culture of innovation as well as how to lead effectively to achieve profitable growth and excellent performance in this increasingly turbulent, uncertain, complex and ambiguous landscape,” Chambers said.

According to him, to address the aforementioned imminent leadership challenges, the Executive Minds – TEXEM, the UK based leading executive education provider, invites executives for a two-day Master class on Creating and running prolific boards and directors.
Chambers, Publisher of the Chambers Handbook of Governance, has delivered governance solutions in more than 60 countries across the world.

“The course is designed for board members, chairpersons, director generals, executive secretaries, permanent secretaries and managing directors among others.

“Secretaries of boards, Independent non-executive directors, general managers, chief human resource officers, chief financial officers, chief internal auditors or chief risk officers, regulators and standards setters, plus, general councils and entrepreneurs will also benefit from this training. “Specifically, participants will learn how to address the challenges facing boards and develop a viable approach to impactful success,” Chambers added.

Continuing, he said: “Are you a board director or member caught in the complex maze of changes, and not sure of the best step forward to create and manage a prolific board that makes a positive difference? Worry not.
“TEXEM’s proven, cutting edge, Masterclass will transform you from a passive, less productive board into a better strategic thinking board leader ready to establish and maintain good governance practices.”

On his part, the Chair of TEXEM, UK, Dr Alim Abubakre, said, “in this turbulent, challenging, dynamic and fast-paced operating landscape characterised by new risks and opportunities, good governance remains the bane of many Nigerian organisations success.

“During this programme with Professor Andrew Chambers, former Dean of Cass Business School London, senior executives in Nigeria would learn how to clearly define the board’s purpose and move beyond compliance to value creation for all stakeholders”.
Chambers said participants would learn from his successful career in creating and running vibrant boards, stimulating better board performance.

He also said he would guide executives through the techniques that they need to develop and manage dynamic boards.
Through group discussion, review of case studies and presentations, participants would learn about boards that have succeeded and those that have not and how to proactively plan to prevent failure.
The core objectives of the Masterclass, he added are, “Evolve with the best skills- You will learn to identify the right strategies to expand your roles beyond conventional governance.

“Using real-life scenarios, you will develop insights into how to; develop a viable plan, manage risk, lead more effectively in crises, and engage stakeholders for value creation.
“As a board director, you’ll leave ready to bring your ideas to life and help implement best practices that contribute to effective and efficient organisations.”

In addition, participants would have the opportunity to get ahead with essential skills, Chambers said, saying, “the intention is to inspire participants with proven ways to re-engineer corporate governance in practice and to provide practical ‘toolkit’ advice on how to apply these state-of-the-art methods.”

Others include pursue a learning path and networking
“Networking and debating with other workshop participants will give valuable opportunities to identify the pitfalls and the strategies on how to resolve some of those challenges. “Furthermore, via this programme, participants are assured of bumper return of investment via enhanced social capital (which could lead to new business opportunities and strategic synergies) and steeper learning curve,” Chambers added.

“TEXEM understands the skills board directors and members need to support the growth of boards. Therefore, the TEXEM Masterclass has been designed with both individuals and organisations in mind.

“The course will give both individuals and organisations, valuable and relevant knowledge to create productive and progressive boards.
“The course will help you gain core skills you need to make a positive impact on your board. You will leave empowered to foster better and more engaged boards.

“The organisational benefits include better self-starting board directors that give directions to members; more effective teams; increased creativity and innovation at all levels; improved communication skills; higher personal and group morale; individual benefits; improved self-awareness; improved communication at all points in the hierarchy; promote best practices and increased creativity and innovation.”