Serving on a board is one of the highest calls to leadership. You influence strategy, safeguard integrity, and shape the future of your organisation.
But here’s the truth: Most board members don’t fail because of markets, politics, or competition. They fail because of their own unmanaged behaviours.

I’ve watched highly capable leaders lose influence slowly as small habits quietly eroded their credibility: poor preparation, rising ego, defensiveness, politics, and resistance to change.

Board service isn’t just about reports and meetings.
It’s a daily test of character.
When character cracks, effectiveness collapses, first quietly, then visibly. The boardroom doesn’t expose your skills first, it exposes your discipline, humility, integrity, and emotional intelligence.

Here are 10 behaviours that destroy board members:
1️⃣ Ego & Pride – Stops learning, listening, and collaborating. Pride blinds judgment.
2️⃣ Lack of Preparation – Unread reports, shallow insights, weak decisions.
3️⃣ Conflicts of Interest – Personal gain over organisation destroys trust.
4️⃣ Resistance to Change – Boards must adapt to AI, ESG, digital, and shifting expectations.
5️⃣ Overstepping Boundaries – Boards govern; management executes. Interference creates chaos.
6️⃣ Politics & Toxic Communication – Gossip, cliques, undermining peers = fractured boards.
7️⃣ Neglecting Fiduciary Duties – Duty of care, loyalty, and obedience are non-negotiable.
8️⃣ Inability to Handle Pressure – Crisis exposes leaders. Panic weakens boards.
9️⃣ Insecurity – Defensiveness, jealousy, and fear of being overshadowed drain collaboration.
🔟 Lack of Ethical Courage – Silence in the face of wrongdoing is complicity.

Strong boards are built on strong character. Weak character destroys even the strongest board member.

#BoardLeadership #CorporateGovernance LeadershipExcellence #BoardEffectiveness #EthicalLeadership #GovernanceMatters #LeadershipIntegrity #AfricaLeadership #ExecutiveWisdom

Dr. Chikanda is a specialist in Corporate Governance, Strategy, Leadership Development, & Wellness. With vast boardroom and executive experience, he leads Vineyard as MD and serves as Lead Consultant at Inspire World Institute, championing strong governance and organisational excellence.
📞 0772 721 962 | ✉️ stchikanda@inspireworld.co.zw