Board evaluation
A well-functioning board is one of an organisation’s most important resources – yet few take the time to evaluate how the board actually performs. Habberstad carries out independent board evaluations that give the board and management an honest picture of strengths, interplay and areas for improvement, so the board can do its job better.
Does the company's board have what it takes to succeed?
A board should help ensure the company is run well. That is why the board itself needs a review from time to time. With a board evaluation you get the basis you need to handle challenges, raise the board’s competence and create the conditions for greater insight and collaboration.
Our experienced advisors know how the dynamics of a board work, and have considerable experience of working closely with top management and a range of board compositions. As an objective third party, we help to clarify challenges so you can make sound strategic decisions. By making the board’s work visible, trust is created throughout the organisation, including among shareholders.
When and how often should the board be evaluated?
There is no single right answer, but many companies benefit greatly from annual reviews to ensure the board can work effectively and with focus. Beyond that, evaluations should be carried out in step with changes in the market, or as the organisation adjusts its strategy and direction. Many choose to carry out a more thorough evaluation when establishing a new company or when the board composition changes.
Habberstad managed to put their finger on things we did not see ourselves in the interplay between the board and me as manager.
Gaute Nøkleholm, commons manager at Romedal and Stange almenninger
How do board evaluations create value?
Greater understanding
A board evaluation gives valuable insight into board members’ strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development and competence. In addition, better knowledge of routines and areas of responsibility can improve collaboration within the board.
Closer collaboration
The board’s way of working affects collaboration with management. It is important to balance communication and control without weakening management’s ability to run the company effectively.
Clarifying roles
A well-composed board can contribute to faster adaptability, a broader network and innovation. Diversity reduces the risk of groupthink and prevents a few members from dominating meetings.
Management Audit
A Management Audit provides a holistic assessment of the management team and its ability to deliver on the organisation’s goals. Where a board evaluation is primarily directed at the board’s work, a Management Audit goes deeper into the interplay, capacity and decision-making power within the management team.
Through a combination of interviews, analyses and targeted data collection, we assess both the individual leader and how the team functions as a whole – particularly when facing growth, change or increased complexity.
The aim is to give a clear picture of strengths, areas for development and potential, so the organisation has a better basis for assessing composition, distribution of roles and the further development of the management team.
Our advisors combine psychology expertise with broad leadership experience from the business world. This enables us to understand both the people and the context they operate in – and to give assessments that are relevant, precise and applicable.
A Management Audit is often used in strategic phases – with growth ambitions, changes of ownership, mergers, or when you want to strengthen the ability to deliver. At the same time, it can be at least as valuable when everything is working, as an opportunity to identify potential and take the next step.
This gives you a more precise basis for decisions – not just for those who perform today, but for what the organisation needs going forward.
Contact us for an informal chat
We help you find the right leader or develop the one you already have. Do get in touch for an informal conversation about what we can do for you.
