You’ll learn how governance is defined, rules and practices, and the characteristics of effective directors and high performing boards, as well as valuable communication strategies for group interaction. This module uses case studies and role-play simulations with actors to help you explore constructive solutions to challenging board situations.

In summary:

• Understand the roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities of the board as a whole—the chairperson, management, and committees.
• Learn about the different models, theories, and principles of governance.
• Understand the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of boards and directors, and how to recognize indications of fraudulent activities.
• Discuss board and director independence.
• Learn how to contribute, encourage, and benefit from independent thought and effective dialogue.

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This module will help you hone your strategic thinking skills, understand the difference between strategic planning and operational effectiveness, and develop your own strategic leadership style that fosters planning, measurement, accountability, and communication. You’ll learn how to evaluate and set effective board and director expectations, plan CEO succession, and balance stakeholder relationships. You’ll also review strategic planning for IT, risk governance, and compensation committees.

In summary:

• Learn how to collaborate with management to establish a clear, deliverable corporate strategy in that all board decisions can be anchored to.
• Learn best practices for board evaluation and selecting the best mix of board members who understand the scope and requirements of the job.
• Learn how the board and CEO relationship works, and the value of an effective succession-planning process.
• Understand how the board and human resource/compensation committees work to set appropriate CEO and director compensation.
• Know what questions to ask about the corporate IT strategy, management, and performance.
• Understand the type of information that boards require that corporate risks are identified, controlled, mitigated, or translated into opportunities.
• Learn how to capitalize on the individual strengths of your board team to tackle problems and issues.

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You’ll learn how to measure performance and align strategic objectives with financial results and overall success. We’ll explore board performance scorecards, as well as the details of internal audits, including the relationships and roles of the audit committee, the internal auditor and the management team. We’ll also cover risk oversight, learning from past governance failures and anticipating future governance challenges. You’ll see how board directors can oversee the performance of the corporation and its management team.

In summary:

• Discover what directors need to know, and how to access and assess financial information using accounting principles and financial/non-financial indicators.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of the board and the audit committee, the internal auditor, and the external auditor, and the relationships between them.
• Clarify key questions directors can ask about risk management in their board’s oversight role.

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(formerly Communication and Social Responsibility)

This module focuses on overcoming “knowing-doing” gaps in board performance—why we often fail to do what we know is best practice. You’ll explore trending situations that require new approaches to governance in areas such as purpose governance, environment, social governance (ESG), innovation governance and ethical decision-making. You’ll reflect on your own emotional skills as you address governance cases dealing with reputation and crisis management.

In summary:

• Learn how emotional intelligence affects board behaviour and functioning.
• Understand the link between governance and purpose, sustainability and innovation.
• Learn why boards directors should think like activist investors.
• Discover how directors/boards can add an ethical perspective to their decision-making process.
• Understand how board meetings can be efficient, effective, and accomplish set objectives.
• Find out what directors need to know about corporate communication, disclosure, crisis identification and management, and reputation management.

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Unique to The Directors College, this final module lets you experience realistic board situations, complete with professional actors to bring the simulation to life. Our alumni rate this module as the highlight of the program, providing a dynamic opportunity to bring together all the lessons and behavioural strategies you’ve learned throughout the four previous modules.

In summary:

• Put into practice all your experiences and lessons from the previous four modules.
• Participate as a board member at board and committee meetings as you experience a “day on the board” of our simulated corporation.
• Gain personal insight on how your board behaviour, and that of others, affects board processes and productivity.
• Evaluate other participants and provide valuable feedback.

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