Board of Directors
A Board of Directors is the highest decision-making group within a company, made up of experienced business leaders who guide the organization's strategy and major decisions. Think of them as the company's leadership council that oversees the CEO and ensures the company is run properly. They meet regularly to make important decisions about the company's future, approve major financial decisions, and protect shareholder interests. Similar terms you might see include Board Members, Directors, or Corporate Board. This group is especially important in publicly traded companies but also exists in private companies, nonprofits, and other organizations.
Examples in Resumes
Presented quarterly financial results to Board of Directors and key stakeholders
Served as member of Board of Directors for regional healthcare organization
Implemented strategic initiatives approved by Board of Directors
Secretary to the Board of Directors, managing all board communications and documentation
Typical job title: "Board Members"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Board Members
Professional Organizations
Networking Platforms
Board Recruitment
Example Interview Questions
Experienced Board Member Questions
Q: How do you handle disagreements between board members on strategic decisions?
Expected Answer: Should discuss conflict resolution, consensus building, and the importance of focusing on company interests. Should mention experience with managing different viewpoints while maintaining professional relationships.
Q: How do you ensure effective oversight of company operations without micromanaging the executive team?
Expected Answer: Should explain the balance between governance and management, setting clear expectations, and focusing on strategic rather than operational decisions.
Mid-Level Board Experience Questions
Q: What experience do you have with board committees and their functions?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain different committee types (audit, compensation, governance) and their roles in supporting the full board's work.
Q: How do you prepare for board meetings and what do you consider essential in board materials?
Expected Answer: Should discuss review of financial statements, strategic documents, and the importance of asking meaningful questions during meetings.
New to Board Service Questions
Q: What do you understand about the legal responsibilities of board members?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic knowledge of fiduciary duties, duty of care, and duty of loyalty to the organization.
Q: How would you contribute to board diversity and effectiveness?
Expected Answer: Should discuss their unique skills, experience, and perspective they bring to the board, and their commitment to learning the role.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Understanding of basic board responsibilities
- Familiarity with financial statements
- Professional meeting participation
- Industry knowledge
Mid (2-5 years)
- Committee experience
- Strategic planning participation
- Risk management understanding
- Corporate governance knowledge
Senior (5+ years)
- Leadership of board committees
- CEO evaluation experience
- Crisis management
- Strategic decision-making
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of understanding of fiduciary responsibilities
- No experience reading financial statements
- Poor understanding of corporate governance
- Conflicts of interest
- Limited availability for board meetings and commitments
Related Terms
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