Boardroom INSIDER for…OCTOBER

WILL YOUR COMPANY BE SUED FOR WEAK “BOARD BUSYWORK?”

Corporate boards of directors being sued by their shareholders is an all-too-common business news story worldwide, usually driven by a drop in stock price, a company scandal, or strategic fumbles.  But a September lawsuit filed against the board of Boeing goes beyond those claims to add a new twist – poor boardroom mechanics.

In an article in the October issue of online monthly Boardroom INSIDER, publisher and corporate speaker Ralph Ward unpacks provocative new litigation by several public pension investors in the aviation giant.  While claims over Boeing’s fumbling of safety issues with its 737 Max jetliner exploded after two crashes left 346 dead, the new suit targets board sluggishness in forming a special committee to investigate, and weak director involvement once it did.  Broad legal discovery of board and committee agendas and minutes fueled the plaintiffs’ case.

Ward writes that the Boeing litigation should prompt every board to tighten procedures.  Investors “will be looking closely at the tactical responses of your board,” and closely parsing minutes and board communications for oversights.  In future, “you’ll need nuts-and-bolts proof of urgent board performance.”

Articles in the October issue include:

• Avoid these board electronic voting dangers.
• How smart “board wannabes” make that crucial first contact.
• Q&A: Help! The company is cutting our board D&O coverage!

CONTACT: Tel 1+989-833-7615 or via email

Ralph Ward’s latest book, Board Seeker: Your Guidebook and Career Map into the Corporate Boardroom (Business Expert Press) gathers 20 years’ experience in board counseling and research to give “board wannabes” the steps and insights needed to craft a successful board search campaign.
NOW ON AUDIOBOOK.
— Here’s why you have more “board experience” than you think (and why your current resume hides it).
— How women can jump the career obstacles they face into the boardroom.
— Finding your board search mentors and networks.
— How board searches really work (and how to turn flaws in the process to your advantage).
— Gaining the attention of board contacts and search firms.
— Prepping for a board interview… and for your first board meeting.