In this episode of the Board Dynamics podcast, Dorrit engages in a deep conversation with Peter Koefoed, a seasoned psychologist with extensive experience in both psychotherapeutic and organisational settings. Dorrit and Peter explore the concept of mentalization and its significance in board dynamics, particularly during critical situations like succession. Peter shares insights on how understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of board members can enhance decision-making and foster a more collaborative environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Mentalization in Board Dynamics: Mentalization is the ability to understand actions in terms of thoughts, feelings, wishes, and desires, which is crucial for effective collaboration in board settings.

• Importance of Acknowledging Differences: In a board, members come from diverse backgrounds and represent various interests. Acknowledging these differences and creating a safe space for discussion can enhance trust and improve decision-making processes.

• Handling Succession Crises: Succession, especially when unexpected, can create a crisis within a board. It's essential to recognise the emotional investments in the outgoing leader and facilitate discussions that allow members to express their feelings and concerns.

• Active Listening Techniques: Implementing active listening strategies, such as summarising others' viewpoints before presenting one's own, can foster a more inclusive environment.

• Continuous Reflection and Integration: Regularly revisiting past discussions and decisions in meetings can help maintain continuity and integration within the board.

BEST MOMENTS

"Mentalizing is the ability to understand actions by both other people and oneself in terms of thoughts, feelings, wishes and desires."

"If the board is malfunctioning and only some on the board is heard and seen, that will create a dynamic which is not healthy."

"You have to acknowledge people's differences. Maybe when you hear people that are expressing exactly the opposite as yourself, you maybe will find that it resonates at something in yourself."

"It's important to spend some time letting people talk about what is going on and what... qualities and competences we need with the new CEO."

"You can actually do it, but also accepting that daily board work is not, there's a pressure on time, but you have to balance it."

HOST BIO

Dorrit Kromann uses her competent network to provide solutions to real problems in boards. Dorrit is experienced in organisational development, going from turnarounds in hospitals to the growth of IT start-ups. From the board experience, Dorrit has used the psychodynamic organisational psychology to onboard, understand and solve any board challenge, going from how to recruit new members to business challenges to conflicts of interest.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

Have you ever been stuck in a challenge in a board meeting? Have you ever felt unheard in a board meeting? Have you ever thought that the business and strategy go in the wrong direction? Have you ever had a suspicion that something was wrong in the company?

Board Dynamics podcast will take you through some cases showing these challenges, analyse the cases and tell you what to do in such situations.

In this episode of the Board Dynamics podcast, Dorrit engages in an insightful conversation with Annette, a seasoned entrepreneur and board member, who shares her extensive journey from startup to scale-up and beyond. Annette discusses the complexities of navigating multiple roles as both an owner and a board member, emphasising the importance of diversity in board composition and the value of embracing conflicts as a source of energy and growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Navigating Multiple Roles: Successfully managing multiple roles within a startup, such as being an owner, CEO, and board member, requires a clear understanding of the different responsibilities associated with each role.

2. Importance of Diversity in the Board: Building a diverse board with members who possess different competencies and perspectives is crucial for the success of a startup.

3. Value of Conflict: Conflicts can be a source of energy and innovation within a team. Embracing conflicts as opportunities for growth and discussion can lead to better outcomes, provided they are managed constructively.

4. Strategic Focus: Startups often get bogged down in tactical and operational tasks. It's vital to maintain a strategic focus by defining clear goals and visions, which can guide the team and help prioritise actions that align with long-term objectives.

5. Due Diligence for Board Members: Before joining a board, potential members should conduct thorough due diligence on the company, including its financial health, governance structure, and the values of existing owners.

BEST MOMENTS

"If you have not tried it before, I'm sure I can tell you. So perhaps not that typical for a woman, but this is how I feel about new things."

"If you don't have the ability actually to make sure that you manage to be out of control, then you can't make it as an entrepreneur."

"Conflicts are sometimes very, very important... If you get into a conflict, it's because you are passionate about something."

"Make sure that you actually see this as very, very important capital to have interest in humans."

"Look into how is the company run? What are the targets? What is the economic situation?"

OUR LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorrit-kromann-29b4041/

https://kromanns.com/en/

HOST BIO

Dorrit Kromann uses her competent network to provide solutions to real problems in boards. Dorrit is experienced in organisational development, going from turnarounds in hospitals to the growth of IT start-ups. From the board experience, Dorrit has used the psychodynamic organisational psychology to onboard, understand and solve any board challenge, going from how to recruit new members to business challenges to conflicts of interest.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

Have you ever been stuck in a challenge in a board meeting? Have you ever felt unheard in a board meeting? Have you ever thought that the business and strategy go in the wrong direction? Have you ever had a suspicion that something was wrong in the company?

Board Dynamics podcast will take you through some cases showing these challenges, analyse the cases and tell you what to do in such situations.

In this insightful podcast episode, Dorrit engages in a deep conversation with Anne Eberhard, a seasoned board professional with extensive experience in both Danish and international boards. Dorrit and Anne explore the evolving landscape of board diversity over the past decade, discussing the importance of gender diversity and the complexities that arise from diverse perspectives in decision-making. Anne shares her journey from a successful banking career to becoming a full-time board member and advisor, emphasising the need for boards to adapt to increasing external complexities while maintaining effective internal dynamics.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Importance of Diversity: Diversity in boards is crucial not only for gender representation but also for bringing different competencies, backgrounds, and perspectives.

• Preparation and Proactivity: Board members should come well-prepared, not just by reading documents but by understanding industry trends, competitors, and the overall market landscape.

• Role of the Chair: The chairperson plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive environment within the boardroom. They must ensure that all voices are heard and that discussions are constructive, helping to mitigate biases and encourage open dialogue.

• Value-Adding Behaviour: Boards should focus on being value-adding rather than burdensome to management. This involves understanding the company's core offerings, being aware of external risks and opportunities, and maintaining a balance between oversight and support.

• Lifelong Learning and Adaptability: Continuous education and staying updated on relevant trends, such as ESG and cybersecurity, are essential for board members.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think sometimes we have to also as women not to focus too much on can we do this leadership role or can we do this and that—I mean just do it and just grab the opportunities."

"Diversity creates better discussions and also makes us make better decisions."

"I think it's really crucial to understand the purpose why we are here, but also to have an understanding of the core offering of the company."

"As a woman, we just have to be 10% better than the others to be equally accepted."

"I think it's very important that the board is value-adding in its behavior and not becomes a burden of the management team."

OUR LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorrit-kromann-29b4041/

https://kromanns.com/en/

HOST BIO

Dorrit Kromann uses her competent network to provide solutions to real problems in boards. Dorrit is experienced in organisational development, going from turnarounds in hospitals to the growth of IT start-ups. From the board experience, Dorrit has used the psychodynamic organisational psychology to onboard, understand and solve any board challenge, going from how to recruit new members to business challenges to conflicts of interest.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

Have you ever been stuck in a challenge in a board meeting? Have you ever felt unheard in a board meeting? Have you ever thought that the business and strategy go in the wrong direction? Have you ever had a suspicion that something was wrong in the company?

Board Dynamics podcast will take you through some cases showing these challenges, analyse the cases and tell you what to do in such situations.

In this episode of Board Dynamics, Dorrit engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Charles Stonehill, a seasoned board member with extensive experience across various industries and countries. Dorrit and Charles explore the evolving dynamics of boardrooms since 2005, highlighting the increasing complexity of business challenges, the importance of diversity, and the necessity for effective committee structures. Charles shares insights on the responsibilities of board members, the significance of onboarding, and the need for open dialogue and challenge within board discussions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Evolving Board Dynamics: Over the past two decades, board dynamics have shifted significantly, with a greater emphasis on diversity, expertise, and the need for boards to reflect the complexities of modern business environments.

• Importance of Committees: Committees are becoming essential in the board structure, serving as the "engine room" where detailed discussions and analyses occur.

• Onboarding Process: A thorough onboarding process is crucial for new board members to understand the company, its culture, and the specific dynamics of the board.

• Challenging Conventional Thinking: Board members should be prepared to question established practices and think critically about decisions. This mindset is vital for navigating the rapidly changing business landscape and ensuring long-term shareholder value.

• Equal Voice in Decision-Making: Every board member, regardless of tenure or background, should feel empowered to express their opinions and concerns.

BEST MOMENTS

"It takes time to become a good board member and a comfortable board member."

"The world's become more turbulent. We've had shocks in the financial system, politically, and geopolitically."

"Boards should not move as a herd. Every board member is independent of every other board."

"If you feel strongly about something, you should always express that and insist that your voice is heard."

"You should always be prepared to challenge conventional thinking."

OUR LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorrit-kromann-29b4041/

https://kromanns.com/en/

HOST BIO

Dorrit Kromann uses her competent network to provide solutions to real problems in boards. Dorrit is experienced in organisational development, going from turnarounds in hospitals to the growth of IT start-ups. From the board experience, Dorrit has used the psychodynamic organisational psychology to onboard, understand and solve any board challenge, going from how to recruit new members to business challenges to conflicts of interest.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

Have you ever been stuck in a challenge in a board meeting? Have you ever felt unheard in a board meeting? Have you ever thought that the business and strategy go in the wrong direction? Have you ever had a suspicion that something was wrong in the company?

Board Dynamics podcast will take you through some cases showing these challenges, analyse the cases and tell you what to do in such situations.

In this episode of the podcast on board dynamics, Dorrit engages with new and young board members, Ash and Olga, explores their experiences and insights on navigating the complexities of board work. Ash and Olga delve into the challenges and opportunities that come with being new and young in a board setting, including feelings of impostor syndrome, the importance of diverse perspectives, and the dynamics of decision-making. Ash shares his initial apprehensions and the gradual comfort she found in participating, while Olga reflects on the value of structured meetings and the need for reflection.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Onboarding and Expectations: New board members often feel uncertain about their roles and responsibilities. Clear onboarding processes that explain the board's dynamics and expectations can help alleviate this uncertainty and foster confidence.

• Differences in Meeting Dynamics: Board meetings tend to be more structured and deliberate compared to typical work meetings. This slower pace allows for in-depth discussions and careful consideration of decisions, which can be a significant adjustment for those used to faster-paced environments.

• Value of Diverse Perspectives: Having younger members on a board can provide fresh viewpoints and challenge traditional thinking. This diversity can lead to innovative ideas and solutions, as younger members may approach problems differently than their more experienced counterparts.

• Importance of Reflection: Incorporating time for personal reflection before and after meetings can enhance participation and engagement. This practice allows members to clear their minds and focus on the meeting's objectives, as well as to share thoughts and feelings that may impact group dynamics.

• Creating a Safe Environment: Establishing a board culture where all voices are heard and respected is crucial. This inclusivity fosters trust and encourages open dialogue, allowing members to express concerns or disagreements without fear of judgment, ultimately leading to better decision-making.

BEST MOMENTS

"I felt like I was quite quiet just because I was trying to take it in and understand exactly how things work."

"To have a conversation, which essentially is in layman's terms, it should be like, so this is typically what happens on the board."

"The ability to reflect on the decisions you take where you need to slow down is something that's very useful."

"It seems like every single bullet point, every single decision is much more scrutinized on the board.

OUR LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorrit-kromann-29b4041/

https://kromanns.com/en/

HOST BIO

Dorrit Kromann uses her competent network to provide solutions to real problems in boards. Dorrit is experienced in organisational development, going from turnarounds in hospitals to the growth of IT start-ups. From the board experience, Dorrit has used the psychodynamic organisational psychology to onboard, understand and solve any board challenge, going from how to recruit new members to business challenges to conflicts of interest.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

Have you ever been stuck in a challenge in a board meeting? Have you ever felt unheard in a board meeting? Have you ever thought that the business and strategy go in the wrong direction? Have you ever had a suspicion that something was wrong in the company?

Board Dynamics podcast will take you through some cases showing these challenges, analyse the cases and tell you what to do in such situations.

In the inaugural episode of Board Dynamics, Dorrit delves into the intricate workings of nonprofit boards, focusing on the dynamics that influence their effectiveness. Lesley, an experienced board member and consultant, shares insights from her decade-long involvement with various boards, highlighting a specific case involving a large nonprofit organisation with 18 members and a significant budget. As they navigate the complexities of board dynamics, Dorrit and Lesley emphasise the need for self-awareness, effective communication, and integrating best governance practices to enhance organisational effectiveness.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Understanding Board Dynamics: Effective board governance goes beyond financials and strategy; it involves understanding the interpersonal dynamics and relationships among board members, which can significantly impact decision-making and organisational effectiveness.

• Diversity and Representation: While the board had a majority of female members, it lacked diversity in other aspects, such as ethnicity and cultural representation.

• Governance Challenges: Many board members lacked a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, leading to confusion about governance practices.

• Resistance to Change: Change within the board was met with resistance, particularly from the executive committee, which was comfortable with existing power dynamics.

• Importance of Evaluation and Self-Awareness: Regular board evaluations should include discussions about underlying psychological dynamics and interpersonal relationships.

BEST MOMENTS

"What's really interesting about the work that we're doing... is that you're talking really about how boards work."

"There was a lot of friction, especially from the executive committee... who were very happy with the power dynamics that had been established."

"The governance structure of the organization and the structure of the board hadn't changed in decades."

"The board to their credit brought in experts to talk about bias and to talk about racism and stigma."

"The board evaluation is a critical tool, but it needs to be revisited."

OUR LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorrit-kromann-29b4041/

https://kromanns.com/en/

HOST BIO

Dorrit Kromann uses her competent network to provide solutions to real problems in boards. Dorrit is experienced in organisational development, going from turnarounds in hospitals to the growth of IT start-ups. From the board experience, Dorrit has used the psychodynamic organisational psychology to onboard, understand and solve any board challenge, going from how to recruit new members to business challenges to conflicts of interest.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

Have you ever been stuck in a challenge in a board meeting? Have you ever felt unheard in a board meeting? Have you ever thought that the business and strategy go in the wrong direction? Have you ever had a suspicion that something was wrong in the company?

Board Dynamics podcast will take you through some cases showing these challenges, analyse the cases and tell you what to do in such situations.