A training programme or a familiarisation programme for the Board of Directors is meant to help Directors to gain knowledge about changes in the industry in which the company operates or to upgrade themselves. It acts as an aid for Directors to be better informed and updated, and in turn be more effective, in the discussions and decisions made at the Board level. Training programmes, when designed well, benefit the Board members, and in turn the company on whose Boards they sit.
Some of the considerations that are important for a programme to be effective –
- Objective of the programme:
Before deciding on a training programme, it is important to decide the objective and the key deliverables. Suggestions could be taken from Directors or Key Managerial Personnel (KMPs), before finalising the objective and topic(s) of the programme.
- Programme content and structure
Once the objective is firmed up, it is important to finalise the content of the programme, as also its structure. The programme should not be very theoretical or be based on presentations alone. The objective of the programme is to upgrade Directors, and a typical classroom training programme approach may not be helpful.
- Faculty
A number of companies get their KMPs to deliver such programmes. It is important for the company to consider getting an expert from the industry to come and speak with the Board. Board members being senior persons, would benefit if a person, with hands on experience, would share his/her perceptions and experience.
- Pedagogy
Interactive sessions help in keeping Board members engaged. The faculty member should factor in his/her experience and wisdom while speaking with the Board. A two-way communication during the training session always leads to more impact. This would also ensure that Directors ask any questions that they may have.
- Feedback:
After completion of the training, Directors must be encouraged to give their feedback on the effectiveness of the session, and suggestions, if any, for improvement.
These steps would help the company conduct training programmes that Directors find useful. Directors being senior persons cannot be expected to be engaged if the topic or the content or pedagogy is run of the mill, and does not capture and retain their interest.
Kritika Goswami