“If you want to lead, read. This sentence for people from my community is a tongue twister right there”.
I have been an avid reader for many years. I try to keep it vast. In my journey of growth and leadership, I have found a lot of books – not forgetting prayer – do well to guide me in my personal and business decision-making.
More recently, I have been thankful for our BeawiiiL Global Network which has since spread its wings beyond Africa in an endeavor to challenge global leaders at all levels to read a book a week.
That is right! A book a week! It sounds like an impossible feat in a world that can be so mentally occupying and distracted by technology. In fact, despite the past outstanding global literacy rate of 84%, people today are reading less and less.
Notwithstanding, if you intend to be an impactful leader worth your salt; if you are looking to grow from both an intellectual and a heart standpoint – outside of attending leadership seminars and retreats, read you must.
It is especially true for corporate employees and executives looking to excel in governance and successfully lead companies big and small towards their overall vision and objectives.
Hence, from a corporate governance perspective, here are a couple of books that I would encourage you to add to your reading list before the year is up.
Top 5 Books For the 21st Century Board Leader
1 The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America
Let me start by mentioning this book out the gate.
For more than 50 years, Warren Buffet has been leading Berkshire Hathaway while also becoming the U.S’s most successful corporate industry leader. His book is a series of timeless, comprehensive essays, striking at the core of corporate leadership.
Who should read this book? Anyone with an interest in corporate leadership.
2. 101 Boardroom Problems and How to Solve Them by Eli Mina
My second book choice for board leaders in 2022 provides a wide berth of board experience. It helps anyone easily view leadership challenges and recognize and resolve them when running meetings. Undoubtedly providing a clear overview that helps you anticipate the different challenges that can and will occur on all boards in advance, so you can best pinpoint and act appropriately. It has a clearly-defined philosophy: that an effective board generates quality decisions within a reasonable amount of time.
Who should read this book? Aspiring or new corporate director or board leader.
3. Eyes Wide Open by Robyn Weatherley
Eyes Wide Open is a very insightful read for first-time board members. It is an honest conversation providing invaluable inside tips and insights about boards and company directorship at every stage of recruitment.
Key focus includes:
- Before the appointment: it discusses all elements of due diligence, meeting the chairman, CEO, and CFO, discovering the company culture, financial and business plans, and strategy
- After the invite and interview: it breaks down what happens during the board induction process, meetings schedules, board etiquette, and director personalities.
- In the boardroom and beyond: it introduces important matters around expectations of board duties, key relationships, educational commitments, and applying your intuition.
Who should read? Aspiring or new corporate director or board leader.
4. The Imperfect Board Member: Discovering the Seven Disciplines of Governance Excellence
As the title suggests, this easy-to-read book highlights tenets of corporate governance and shares examples of ways board members can utilize their unique attributes to put their best selves forward while serving on a board. Its conversational tone is unlike its counterparts.
Who should read this book? Corporate leaders who serve on a board.
Finally, this would not be a balanced list without mentioning at least one book targeting nonprofit board members.
5. The Nonprofit Board Answer Book
For many, it is sometimes easier to serve on a nonprofit board which often is a good starting point to launch their board service. Nonprofits present a unique set of laws and challenges for governance. The Nonprofit Board Answer Book covers topics like:
- board structure and process,
- board member recruitment and orientation,
- board-staff relations, and
- more importantly, financial management.
It is a fantastic go-to guide for new and seasoned nonprofit board members who want to excel as strategic leaders.
Who should read? Anyone who serves on a nonprofit board.
Are you interested in serving on a board? Or maybe you’re already serving on a board but desire to increase your impact and influence? Register to attend our upcoming two-day Board Readiness and Excellence Webinar in September and prepare well to excel.
