Marcia's Leadership Q and As: What’s the Agenda You Need?

Q. In recent meetings, I noticed both our Board members and executives aren’t discussing the impending challenges that could impact our business. Why not?

A. Executives must identify and have the tough conversations about what can abruptly impact their business. Some may be aware of impending issues, and sometimes they are blind-sided. Or their organization is impacted with the unknown. Boards and teams have discussed plans and how to respond rapidly to crises. Others don’t anticipate and must scramble when faced off-guard. Others deny the catastrophe, and fear paralyzes them; they do little or nothing. There’s a full range of responses. Some executives have courage while others support each other and stay in denial. 

It is the Board’s job with the executive team to continually be aware of and discuss the priority issues the organization faces. Identifying all the major issues is essential; maybe there are ten to twenty issues. Then focus on a few that could be a threat to the survival of the business. Others will impact the company to a lesser degree. Key is also to see how the priorities are inter-related. 

Mindset. There are epic issues and some that seem out of your control. But whatever the issues, it’s necessary to discuss how to address them. 

Issues. Consider if your Board and leadership team have addressed cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), geopolitics, supply chain disruption, climate mitigation, employee engagement and retention, and many more. Have your teams created the policies, strategies, operational plans, and communication channels to address any or all of these in case of a crisis? 

Assessment. A continual assessment of impending threats (and opportunities) for your organization is crucial. Whether you’re a Board member or executive for a $100 million or multi-billion-dollar global operation, you are accountable for the system you guide and the results it delivers. 

Agenda and Decisions. Have you identified together the topics that must be on your agenda and the decisions that you must consider? Have you discussed the near and long-term viability of your organization and how any of the issues above impact the business?