Revealed: Traits of a nightmare director

By Staff Writer
news.com.au
June 22, 2012

FANCY stepping into the role of non-executive director? Don’t bother if you are an egocentric, talk for the sake of talking or are too timid to speak out.

These are some of the least desirable traits in every boardroom, according to a report released by talent management company Korn/Ferry International.

What was once seen as a cushy number, the role of the non-executive director has become more formidable as members are expected to grapple with new technologies, a rapidly changing economic environment and increased scrutiny on compliance.

Individuals who “really get” the changing landscape of technology and have a global market outlook are in highest demand in corporate Australia boardrooms.

However “nodders”, non-stop talkers, egocentrics and hobbyhorse jockeys are the type of people boardrooms do not want.

“[Hobbyhorse jockeys] focus on a narrow area which they know and other issues appear irrelevant,” says QBE Chairman and NED, AGL Energy Belinda Hutchinson AM, one of the directors interviewed for the report.

SAI Global CEO Tony Scotton warns directors not to be too argumentative and get a bee in their bonnet because “the whole discussion gets hijacked because of one director’s questioning.”

People that show up to board meetings and nod ‘wisely’, but don’t make much of a contribution is what frustrates Tabcorp Holding NED Justin Milne.

Anybody hoping to become a non-executive director should avoid becoming any of these types of people:

Hobbyhorse jockeys: People who focus on a personal agenda or the only area they know and therefore other issues appear irrelevant.

Hand grenade throwers: Those who are too argumentative, hostile and obstructive.

Non-stop talkers: Speaking for the sake of speaking to try and demonstrate knowledge is a big no no.

Policemen: Those who interrogate and view their roles as keeping management honest rather than being supportive.

Captives of compliance: Those who get too bogged down in rules and regulations which hinders decision-making.

Nodders: Those who just go along with the group think but contribute very little by way of ideas.

Hesitators: Directors who are too timid to speak up in a timely fashion.

The uncommitted: Being unprepared for meetings and not showing proper commitment is frowned upon.

Egocentrics: Leave your ego at the door.

In over their heads: Those who really don’t know what they are doing and are just winging their way through the job is spotted quickly.