Stargazing, grounded - or a balance?

Everyone is on a board - even if you don't think you are...you are.

On a board in your organisation, in your family, in community groups and through recreational interests. You may not be an actual director, but you're sure to be contributing to decision making, a vision, implementation and leadership activities through everything you do. 

I think Lucy Marcus' work challenging conventional wisdom in and out of board rooms is brilliant. She has some wise advice for corporate governance, no matter the size of the organisation.

While I was listening to one of her presentations in Australia a little while ago, I visualized her key points:

Some of these messages are clear and common sense:

- strong boards build strong companies 

- have diversity around the table

- be up to speed 

- contribute or exit.

But others are less often talked about around the table:
- the need to balance 'star gazing' with being grounded
- the characters in the play are often the same (I think this applies to any type of committee, group or team we are a part of)
- many board members are a little bit "huh???" when it comes to social media and social strategy ... so they're (you're) not actually up to speed then!

So whatever 'board' you're on, work at it smarter and harder - without 'over boarding'... otherwise get off.

I'd love to hear about your recent board experiences or thoughts on board leadership.