Many directors, especially newer ones and ones who have more recently had an executive role, often find it easy to be drawn into operational issues.
Setting clear expectations as to the role of the board and how it differs from the role of management is essential. This will ideally be done well during induction and continually reinforced by the Chair with the support of the CEO in board and committee meetings.
Driving strategic discussions at board meetings becomes more manageable when the organisation’s strategy and the board’s priorities are consistently highlighted in the board pack. Regularly connecting agenda items to the broader strategy reinforces this focus. Ensuring that all directors are aligned with the board’s key priorities helps keep the discussion centred on what adds the most value—primarily the execution of the organisation’s strategy. This alignment minimises distractions and ensures that day-to-day management issues receive minimal attention, allowing the board to focus on long-term, strategic matters.