What makes an exceptional Non Executive Director?

Qualities of successful Non Executive Directors

Every Director has a positive role to play and should make a distinctive contribution to the board in order to provide entrepreneurial leadership and direction.

Successful Non Executive Directors are likely to share a number of key skills or attributes which they bring to the role, which are likely to include;

The right character:

All Non Executive Directors should act with integrity and always with the best interests of the company and its shareholders in mind.  They should be independent of the business and avoid conflicts of interest.  They should have a commitment to continual self improvement, in order to best fulfil the role.

Experience and authority:

Relevant business and/or life experience will greatly assist a Non Executive Director in contributing to board and committee meetings and otherwise in the role, providing them with recognisable authority and the ability to readily demonstrate their skills and build confidence and respect.

Sharp mind, a strategic thinker and good judgement:

Non Executive Directors are often overloaded with information and paperwork and need to quickly take all of it on board and possess the skills to identify the issues at hand. The ability to think strategically and to exercise good judgement, when aware of all of the facts, is likely to be essential.

Able to see the big picture:

Every Director needs to understand the company’s business and the context within which it operates. As Non Executive Directors are not involved in the day to day operation of the business they need to possess the enthusiasm, energy and drive to quickly get to grips with the business and keep up to date with developments in order to appreciate the significance of their actions.

Team player:

Non Executive Directors need to be respectful of the role of the executive Directors and the role which the board requires of them and recognise that they are part of the team leading the business.   Those that possess good interpersonal skills are likely to be readily accepted.

Excellent communication skills:

Non Executive Directors need to communicate efficiently and effectively so that their position can be readily understood.  A significant part of the role is likely to involve listening to and participating in debate, but may also involve liaising with staff and the company’s professional advisers.

Enjoy a challenge:

Non Executive Directors should enjoy tackling problems and not be afraid to participate in difficult decisions.  They should possess the confidence to constructively challenge and if they do not follow a point they shouldn’t be afraid to say so.

Focused and prepared:

Non Executive Directors need to focus on the business and devote sufficient time to preparing for and attending meetings. They need to be well briefed and anticipate points before they arise and appreciate that a good deal of their time devoted to the role outside of board and committee meetings is unlikely to be recognised, financially or otherwise.

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