Board Operations
Director Onboarding

This resource center and corresponding onboarding handbook provide a systematic approach, organized by four key cornerstones of onboarding. They offer new directors insights into how they should conduct their responsibilities and how boardrooms operate. 

Understand the environment in which the company operates, including:

2018 governance outlook report The challenges of overseeing a global company Benchmarks on other directors’ priorities Emerging issues facing U.S. companies Eight key factors disrupting the board agenda The impact of disruptive technologies The regulatory and compliance landscape Five ways to improve oversight of ESG Deregulation 2017: Dismantling Dodd-Frank The role of proxy advisory firms

Learn about the company itself, including:

Creating long-term value A fundamental understanding of enterprise risk Indicators of a positive or negative risk culture Ten imperatives for talent development Restoring the board’s role in culture Sustainability programs and reporting Basic accounting and transactional concepts Incentives and risk taking The board-management dialogue on risk appetite

Familiarize yourself with boardroom practices and dynamics, including:

What to consider in the onboarding framework How a board operates and deals with dysfunction Ways to make the board a strategic-asset to the company ABCs of boardroom dynamics The board’s relationship with the C-suite Helpful behavior in the boardroom How to triage board decisions Committee structures and evolving board needs Appropriate board-shareholder communications Navigating the relationship between the board and general counsel FAQ: Executive sessions Why the Volkswagen board got stuck in low gear F500 Committee chairs discuss building a strong board culture Strategies for effective board meeting preparation

Clarify your roles and responsibilities as a director, including:

Your key functions and responsibilities Expectations for directors vs. managers Complying with Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg FD) FAQ on avoiding conflicts of interest Core competencies of successful directors Professional standards for today's directors Background on directors’ fiduciary duties Director liability issues How to improve your effectiveness through evaluations Compensation for board service Avoiding common mistakes when purchasing D&O policies Three liability risks every director should know about Continuing education for directors

Resources for board leaders

F500 Directors’ advice for onboarding programs Templates to support orientation The challenge of adding critical new expertise to boards Accelerating contributions by new directors

Upcoming Events

NACD foundation courses in boardroom fundamentals NACD Global Board Leaders’ Summit (Sep. 29–Oct. 2, 2018, in Washington, DC)

Featured Resources

Joining a board: the uphill climb