How To Correct a Too-Collegial Board

(from Harvard Business Review) Many boards mistake collegiality for agreement rather than the respect and trust that allows for candid debate. When that distinction gets lost, harmony takes priority, dissent gets sidelined, and accountability fades. As a result, tough conversations are avoided, critical decisions are delayed, and the discussion no longer reflects what members are willing to say outside the boardroom. Strategies to address include:

• Establish “must-discuss” governance items. 
• Tackle the toughest topic first.
• Assign a rotating “chief skeptic” to challenge assumptions, find flaws and propose alternatives. 
• Separate debate from decision-making. 

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