Role of Board Member – Dil-Se connect, Authenticity and wearing Multiple Hats for fulfilling Fiduciary Responsibility

I am sharing my perspective on the role of a board member basis my four decades of work experience with promoters and founders.

Board members play a critical role in guiding and overseeing the strategic direction of an organization. While compliance and governance skills are essential, but some of the soft skills are even more important.

Board member must embody authenticity and versatility, wear multiple hats—those of a friend (dost), coach (guru), and a child—each bringing unique perspectives and energies to the role . Board member could be a clone of founders and promoters. This holistic approach ensures that board members inspire, energize, and provide clarity of thought, all while having a deep connect to the company’s purpose and values.

A. Authenticity and Versatility: walk the talk, be objective and fearless

B. The Friend (Dost)
Board member should be approachable and supportive, fostering a culture of openness and trust . This role involves:

1. Building Relationships Establishing strong, trusting relationships with fellow board members, executives, and employees.
2. Empathy and Support : Offering a listening ear and understanding the personal and professional challenges of the team.
3. Collaboration : Encouraging collaboration , teamwork, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued.

C. The Mentor (Guru)

1. Visionary Thinking: Help in articulating long-term vision and strategy for sustainable growth.
2. Knowledge Sharing : Bringing in-depth industry knowledge and experience to guide decision-making processes.
3. Supporting Coaching and Development and growth of senior leadership and peers.

D. The Child
Embodying the spirit of a child, includes:

1. Curiosity and Inquiry : Asking thoughtful questions without preconceived notions.
2. InnovativeThinking: Encouraging culture of innovation
3. Adaptability: Being open to change and agile .

E. Purpose and Values
Have deep connect with organization’s purpose and values

1. Purpose Driven Leadership: Making decisions that reflect the organization’s success with positive societal impact.
2. Values Alignment : Ensuring values are upheld in all business practices and stakeholder interactions.
3. Ethical Governance: Leading with integrity, transparency, accountability and build trust

F. Creating a ‘DilSe’ Connect

Compliance and governance are critical responsibilities , but the role must transcend these to create a ‘dil se’ (from the heart) connect with the organization. This involves:

1.Emotional Engagement: Being genuinely invested in the well-being and success of the organization and its people.
2. Cultural Stewardship Preserving and promoting a culture that aligns with company goals
3.Inspiring Passion : Inspiring others to be passionate, promote owners mindset