Jim Brown

Passionate proponent of governance excellence. Co-Founder and Consulting Partner for STRIVE!. Bestselling author of The Imperfect Board Member.

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

What kinds of questions do/might you use to draw others to engage? What do you do when you face dead air?

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

*Stop talking so much.*

When you fill up the space with your knowledge, opinions, perspective, and answers, you actually choke out the opportunities others have to “own” things for themselves.

Your team’s effectiveness needs your leadership, but it also needs their ownership.

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

*Stop talking so much.*

When you fill up the space with your knowledge, opinions, perspective, and answers, you actually choke out the opportunities others have to “own” things for themselves.

Your team’s effectiveness needs your leadership, but it also needs their ownership.

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

Addressing issues that arise at inconvenient times is expensive. But firing/re-hiring a senior leader is more. Repairing brand reputation is more. Losing and re-establishing market share can take years. Regular investment in cohesion and trust takes time, but saves so much more.

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

We are all learning! Sometimes we miscalculate. But quickening our response time to the real issues and weeding out the odd flukes is a skill every leader must sharpen. Look for "second times" as you seek to improve this skill.
#leadership

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

As a board member, remember that your role is not about representing your region, subset, or constituency; it's about big picture thinking to further the best interests of the whole.

#directandprotect #governance #leadership

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

The board room is not the place for blind faith, but for shared understanding. Rather than jockeying for your preferred solution and seeing others' hesitation as a lack of #trust, focus your energy on getting everyone's information and perspective onto the table.

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

New director? Take a grafting mindset. Horticulturalists ensure that the most core tissues of the new branch get connected to the most core tissues of the tree; likewise, the board needs to set the tone for connecting at a deeper level than business-as-usual.

#onboarding

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

Don’t let your own leadership style inhibit your leadership effectiveness.

What you consider a waste of time might be the most meaningful action you could take with certain people. I encourage you to push yourself through the discomfort and note the feedback.

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

With remote work becoming so widely accepted, it's even MORE important than ever to really get to know candidates before they are brought onto the board or leadership team.

It's not just about if things get handled, but how. Mind the gap between skills and "fit".

#hiring

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

Building anything requires a plan.
Building anything with other people requires you write it down.
Building a healthy team and successful organization requires a unified vision and a clear, shared understanding of how each of you will contribute.
#vision #mission #values

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

Respect is essential. An excellent board of directors or leadership team is diverse! Learn one another’s strengths and push for deeper understanding of each other’s reason for leading. Look for and affirm each other’s expertise, commitment, and growth, and respect will grow too.

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

Some of us trust our own answers and take action at the expense of trusting the input of others. Some of us trust others’ input so much that we surrender our own conclusions too quickly. Pair confidence to make bold decisions with humility to receive insight from others.

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

It’s always a mutual pleasure Curt!

[Curt Hammond @MacDaddy2]

A chance to catch up with my long-time and wise friend @JimBrownStrive brings the sun even on a cloudy day! Jim's wisdom and insights have helped me, @PearlStreetInc & our clients. Grateful for Jims commitment to paying it forward #HealthyOrganizationsBuildHealthyCommunities

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

We love talking about making boards better!

[Pearl Street Inc @PearlStreetInc]

We are big fans of the #ImperfectBoardMember by @JimBrownStrive If you want to start a #governance conversation in your org we know where you will want to begin. https://t.co/l2IuTJgEU1 #LeadershipDevelopment

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

When the floor gets swept out from under you, you either have to do the work of quickly forming a new direction, or lean on the guideposts that are there FOR these moments. When is the best time to understand your core values? Yesterday is best, but now is better than later.

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

You will avoid a multitude of potential train wrecks as an organization simply by speaking with one voice. #leadershipincrisis

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

Lead from timeless principles. #corevalues #leadership

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

Trusting relationships on a board are always important, but the value of this is never more evident than during crises. #leadership #governance

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

The right vision for the future will inspire hope and enrolment. Work together to reconfirm vision so the CEO can advocate for a future people want to live toward. #leadership

[Jim Brown @JimBrownStrive]

I've spoken with leaders who are facing great losses right now and with others who are overwhelmed with the upswing in business. As tempting is it might be to narrow your vision, let's commit to our teams! It's the only way we'll move forward in strength.
https://t.co/2GU31mFbZk