What makes a good executive director?

What makes a good executive director? Nine things that set brilliant candidates apart in an era of increasing corporate governance responsibilities. Executive directors (EDs) guide their organisations into the future, but they're not all equally adept at handling business challenges. The best EDs understand how to combine their background, industry knowledge, and soft skills to bolster success. Every organisation wants to have this kind of leader at its helm. Great directors know that they must keep up with trends and governance regulations. Of course, that's not all that makes them successful. The best EDs also possess nine unique qualities that set them apart from colleagues. 1. They present themselves well Successful EDs enter corporate offices and boardrooms with confidence. Their colleagues can tell they know what they're talking about and respect what they say. Great EDs speak respectfully and listen intently to members at all levels of an organisation. Just remember that confidence and arrogance aren't the same thing. Truly confident leaders admit when they don't know something. They rely on the expertise and advice of their colleagues when they need to fill gaps in knowledge. 2. They are self-aware The best EDs regularly assess themselves. They know their strengths and weaknesses, and they understand how both develop over time. A great director knows when another board member or executive has more experience or knowledge than they do. That's why they feel comfortable asking for insights and advice. Furthermore, successful EDs continue beyond being self-aware. They're also constantly striving to expand their knowledge base, investing in online learning, and looking for opportunities for improvement. Put simply, EDs are realistic about who they are and what they can accomplish. 3. They're seen as influential Board directors and corporate leaders must be able to influence others around them. Their colleagues look to them for advice and guidance, and other companies desire their expertise when recruitment opportunities arise. Influential directors understand what motivates the different stakeholders they interact with and help shape perceptions of proposed company actions or initiatives. Of course, great EDs only use their influence for the good. They want their fellow board members to be successful and work hard to direct everyone towards positive, growth-oriented decisions. 4. They are masters at strategic thinking Any board member must have strategic thinking skills, but EDs, in particular, must master future-oriented thinking. To reach strategic decisions, successful EDs weigh factors like: Risks Market changes Organisation processes Regulatory needs Stakeholder demands Then, they determine what action will most likely meet an organisation's future needs. While a board works cooperatively on strategic thinking initiatives, the ED should always be at the helm of these discussions. 5. They're resilient Great EDs have been through challenges. They know what it's like to face pressure from stockholders, consumers, executives, and other board members. After all, directors are only human and make mistakes from time to time. Their reactions to those mistakes set them apart from struggling and ineffective EDs. While they might be disappointed by such setbacks, effective EDs never stop working for the greater good of their organisations. They're resilient and know that they need to keep moving towards the future. Resilient leaders are essential role models for everyone in an organisation and can help carry a business through significant challenges. 6. They know how to be relatable Board members and directors might enjoy the proverbial 'best seat in the house', but great EDs don't let their success go to their heads. They understand that they must be relatable to be influential leaders. Successful EDs listen actively and naturally connect with others. They never use their experience or knowledge to belittle or dismiss people. Board members and corporate executives who feel intimidated by leadership aren't likely to share their opinions and ideas. Without this input, the board won't be able to fulfil its mission of guiding the organisation to future success. 7. They're visionaries The best executive directors don't go with the flow. They're visionaries with a specific idea of what the future should look like. They have an uncanny ability to anticipate trends, ask the right questions, and identify the biggest risks their organisation will face. Being a visionary isn't an innate ability, though. It comes from studying the history of their industries, learning from mistakes, building connections with mentors, and questioning everything they don’t fully understand. 8. They're patient Organisational change doesn't happen overnight, and great EDs always remember that. They know that hard work and consistency are needed to produce lasting results. They do their best not to show impatience and give plans time to materialise. Remember that patience doesn't mean laziness. Successful EDs know when change is taking too long. They recognise when an initiative has failed and act quickly to bring it back on track. 9. They know where to focus Being a board member or executive director can feel overwhelming. Your radar might seem awash with data, stakeholders, and risks to worry about. Experienced EDs feel this too, but they still know where to focus. Effective EDs have strong organisational triage skills. They can quickly determine the most pressing matters and ensure that the board promptly addresses them. The development process never ends for the best EDs. They invest in ongoing training and programmes in corporate governance to enhance their knowledge and stay current on major trends. Review CGI's diploma programme curriculum now to determine if it fits your professional development, and explore more about what makes a good executive director.

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