Many times my recommendations to executive clients are second-guessed by their Boards. Are Boards themselves prospective clients?

The traditional role of the executive is to plan and manage operations and the role of the Board is to govern. That does not mean that some boards are operating or managing Boards, or that they don't sometimes use consultants for advice.

Some areas in which a consultant might advise boards include:

• Leadership development
• Board meeting management
• Board effectiveness evaluation
• Board recruitment
• Communicating with key stakeholders (e.g., funders for nonprofit boards, regulators for corporate boards)
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Financial or ethical compliance
• Providing expertise on legal or financial responsibilities

Tip: Look through any of several Board periodicals such as Board Member or Board Source (for nonprofit boards). These magazines publish articles, blogs and forums on current trends and needs of Boards.

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