High Performance Boards

Advance Praise for HIGH PERFORMANCE BOARDS "It is a reasonable assumption that successful boards will share some common characteristics, as will failing boards. The challenge is to identify these factors before success or failure occur. This book, evidently based on Didier Cossin's years of experience with boards around the world, goes a long way in doing so. The Four Pillars of Board Effectiveness will be an inspiration for many boards and their directors, as they consider how they can further strengthen their governance, enhance their effectiveness and ensure their success. " -Paul Bulcke, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Nestlé S. A. ; Vice-Chairman, Board of Directors, L'Oréal (FR) "Professor Cossin has got it spot on. His four-pillared 'temple' of board effectiveness is brought to life with the boardroom adventures of Joanne Marker. Indeed his construct has two outer buttresses that centre around people. Their quality, focus, dedication and also how they interact with each other dynamically to produce a governance culture of excellence. One hopes that right-minded and passionate directors or would-be directors will read this book and say 'I want to be a John or Joanne Marker when I grow up. '" -Teo Swee Lian, Chairwoman, CapitaLand Mall Trust; Board Member of AIA, Singtel and Dubai Financial Services Authority "Didier Cossin brings huge direct experience to bear in his fascinating analysis of what makes a good board. Integrity, hard work, collegiality and independence of judgment matter hugely as personal attributes of board members as does a collective ability to focus on strategy, management support and risk. And if that sounds easier said than done, read this book. This board member felt wiser and more daunted by the end. " -Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, Chairman, SGO; Board Member of Investec, Seplat Petroleum "Didier Cossin's book explains how governance can be a key factor for companies' success. It's a must-read for all board members. " -Lorenzo Bini Smaghi, Chairman, Société Générale; Board Member, TAGES Holding "What impressed me most is the comprehensive coverage of every aspect of board work in a way that is solidly grounded in every day's practice in boardrooms around the world. As such, the book is a must-read for every aspiring board member, but also has a lot to offer for even the most seasoned board member with a curiosity for learning and continuous improvement. " -Gerard Kleisterlee, Chairman, Vodafone Group Plc; Deputy Chair and Senior Independent Director, Royal Dutch Shell; Chairman, ASML "Thank you, Dr Cossin. Board members needed this book for a long time. This work will assist board members to understand their responsibilities better. " -H. E. Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad bin Saif Al Rumhy, Minister of Oil and Gas, Sultanate of Oman