Top 5 Workplace Culture Myths
As boards grapple with the challenges of shaping the modern workplace, they can often stumble over certain myths that undermine… Continue Reading Top 5 Workplace Culture Myths
Area of Expertise
Shaping, Evaluating, and Developing Your Board
Strong boards don’t just happen; they are built through deliberate composition, evaluation, and development. This article outlines four essential practices: curating a diverse and skilled board with intentional renewal; conducting meaningful evaluations that lead to actionable insights; offering personalized feedback to help directors grow; and fostering a culture of continuous learning. By focusing on both individual contributions and collective dynamics, boards can stay aligned with their organization’s purpose and be ready to meet future challenges. Continue Reading Shaping, Evaluating, and Developing Your Board
CEO Transition Challenges: Tough Questions and Hard Truths
CEO transitions are among the board’s most critical responsibilities—and often the most complex. Drawing from deep experience, we share the tough questions and key insights that can help boards lead with clarity, confidence, and care through high-stakes decisions and moments of change. Continue Reading CEO Transition Challenges: Tough Questions and Hard Truths
Navigating Board Composition in Election-Appointment Environments
Boards operating in member-based environments where directors are elected or appointed often face challenges in shaping their composition. This article outlines practical strategies to influence board makeup constructively, including developing skills and diversity matrices, engaging with appointing bodies, and creating pipelines for future directors. By embracing these approaches, boards can align their composition with organizational needs while respecting existing appointment processes. Continue Reading Navigating Board Composition in Election-Appointment Environments
Enhancing Board Effectiveness: A Layered Approach to Governance
You may have noticed a few changes to our look and feel over the past few months at Watson –… Continue Reading Enhancing Board Effectiveness: A Layered Approach to Governance
Achieving Alignment & Engagement, Article
Good Governance is Not About Rules, Votes and Control
Have you, like me, been glued to the Rogers saga playing out in the media? As a lawyer, mediator and… Continue Reading Good Governance is Not About Rules, Votes and Control
Achieving Alignment & Engagement, Article
Three Key Areas Where Boards Can Have an Impact in 2022: A Letter from Liz Watson
Happy New Year! As we welcome in the new year, my inbox is filled with publications telling directors what they… Continue Reading Three Key Areas Where Boards Can Have an Impact in 2022: A Letter from Liz Watson
Achieving Alignment & Engagement, Article
People in a New Paradigm
People in a New Paradigm The summer months lend themselves well for time for reflection and perhaps this summer more… Continue Reading People in a New Paradigm
Achieving Alignment & Engagement, Article
Is Canadian Culture Preventing Constructive Dialogue?
Regardless of the issue on the agenda, the quality of the board’s contribution depends on the quality of the conversation. And given the challenges facing organizations and boards today, strategic conversations require that boards embolden all directors to weigh in on context, options, and paths forward. This article describes some ways the best boards, chairs, and directors we know combat Canadian collegiality. Continue Reading Is Canadian Culture Preventing Constructive Dialogue?
Understanding Your Board’s Performance, Article
Focusing on the G of ESG
Last year, WATSON brought together board directors in Vancouver and Toronto for a coast-to-coast conversation. In multiple sessions, our governance… Continue Reading Focusing on the G of ESG