What are some effective ways to diversify boards for crisis management and business continuity?

1 Assess the current state

The first step to diversify boards is to assess the current state of the board composition, culture, and performance. This can be done by conducting a board audit, survey, or self-assessment that covers aspects such as demographics, backgrounds, expertise, tenure, roles, responsibilities, and dynamics. The assessment should also evaluate the board's alignment with the organization's vision, mission, values, and goals, as well as its readiness and responsiveness to external and internal challenges.

2 Identify the gaps and opportunities

The next step is to identify the gaps and opportunities for board diversity and inclusion based on the assessment results. This involves comparing the current state with the desired state, as well as benchmarking with best practices, industry standards, and stakeholder expectations. The gaps and opportunities can be categorized into different dimensions of diversity, such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, education, profession, industry, geography, and culture.

4 Implement the action plan

The fourth step is to implement the action plan for board diversity and inclusion that outlines the actions, responsibilities, resources, timelines, and indicators for achieving the objectives and targets. The action plan should include both short-term and long-term actions, such as reviewing and revising the board policies, procedures, and practices; expanding and diversifying the board recruitment and nomination sources and criteria; providing board education and development programs; fostering board engagement and collaboration; and recognizing and rewarding board contributions and achievements.

5 Evaluate the outcomes and impacts

The fifth step is to evaluate the outcomes and impacts of board diversity and inclusion on crisis management and business continuity. This can be done by measuring and analyzing the indicators of board performance, such as board effectiveness, efficiency, innovation, resilience, adaptability, accountability, and stakeholder satisfaction. The evaluation should also capture the qualitative and quantitative benefits of board diversity and inclusion, such as improved decision-making, risk management, problem-solving, creativity, reputation, trust, and loyalty.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?