I’ve worked with some great board members and some horrible ones for startups. Bad Board Member (BBM) v. Good Board Member (GBM). Stealing format from @bhorowitz.
1/ BBM will always say “let’s do that too.” GBM recognizes resources are finite and encourages focus.
1/ BBM will always say “let’s do that too.” GBM recognizes resources are finite and encourages focus.
2/ BBM weighs in subjectively on product detail. GBM realizes they aren’t EVER the target customer, and asks thoughtful questions to enhance product strategy.
3/ BBM checks email under the table as if in the back of high school history class. GBM acts like an adult and waits until a break.
4/ BBM sporadically attends in person and often asks questions that were covered 10 minutes prior (while the BBM was in an Uber). GBM is there, in person, on time.
5/ BBM demonstrates fear to the CEO. GBM knows that whatever concerns they have about performance are felt 100x by the CEO who likely has 90%+ of their net worth in the company.
6/ BBM says “you should raise again.” GBM says “I want to lean in and help if we decide to raise.”
7/ BBM walks into the room with the answer, not having thought meaningfully about the problems. GBM recognizes that the questions they ask are likely far more important than the answers.
8/ BBM rolls in without having read the materials. GBM is actually able to wear deodorant, tie their shoes, and prep for meeting.
9/ BBM becomes emotionally attached to their suggestions and keeps pushing. GBM is able to disagree then move on in the conversation.
10/ BBM doesn’t have a viewpoints. GBM communicates thoughtful opinions productively. To quote @bhorowitz - “quiet is not helpful”.
11/ BBM refers to team members by position instead of first names. GBM proactively provides positive feedback directly to team members -by name.
12/ BBM has their own personal agenda, encourages “offline” conversations, and conspires with other board members. GBM has the courage to have hard conversations with the group -especially with the CEO directly.
13/ BBM is slow to respond in between meetings and is always “really swamped.” GBM is responsive to emails within 24 hours. Period.
14/ BBM fabricates opinions for the sake of an opinion. GBM acknowledges when they don’t have enough information to have a strong perspective.
15/ BBM thinks they are valuable by adding a few vague high level thoughts. GBM digs in on specific projects like hiring and helps surface and interview candidates.
