Relationships within boards can make or break an organisation, but well-functioning relationships take skill and effort to maintain. This month's book recommendation explores the psychology behind individual and group behaviour, offering tactics and tools for NEDs looking to develop successful board relationships.
"There’s a very fine line between boards where the sum of the parts adds up to materially more than the individuals, and those with real and fundamental issues. Small changes can result in big differences, but spotting what to change and knowing how to change it isn’t easy. This book brings some real science to this topic, as well as sharing the authors’ extensive experience to help us make sure we live on the right side of that very fine line." ~ Jeff Dodds, Virgin Media O2's Chief Operating Officer, Charity and Public Sector Non-Executive Director.
'The Art and Psychology of Board Relationships' draws on advice and tips from 40 experienced board members across a range of industries, providing a broad-based study on how to spot and manage complex dynamics.
Case studies explore topics such as psychodynamics, cognitive behavioural psychology and neuroscience, developing a unique theoretical basis, but each chapter also ends with actionable techniques for handling difficult board relationships, creating a well-balanced practical guide.
Joy Harcup and Helen Hopper then illustrate how to practise the 'ART' of managing board relationships by increasing Awareness, Relating constructively to others, and choosing Tactics to ease tensions and foster collaboration.
Through revealing why board relationships lie at the heart of organisational success, and demonstrating how you can use them to gain competitive edge, this book is an invaluable read for both current and aspiring NEDs, or anyone with an interest in boardroom dynamics.
Learn More:
Follow the link here to purchase a copy of the book.
About the Authors:
Joy Harcup is an executive coach with 20 years’ experience working with clients in the FTSE 100, public and not-for-profit sectors. Harcup has worked as a lawyer specialising in dispute resolution, and was President of the UK Board of the International Coaching Federation, the largest global professional body for coaches.
Helen Hopper trained in management consultancy with Accenture, and in occupational psychology with SHL, before co-founding the leadership consulting firm h3 in 2010, where she is a Partner. She has degrees in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Oxford University), and in Psychology (The Open University).