The Perfect Board

by Calvin K. Clemons

A primer, rather than an encyclopedia or textbook, The Perfect Board describes what it takes to be an effective member of any Board of Directors. From loyalty to care to leadership and Rules of Order, The Perfect Board lends insight and direction into this very important position.

Genres: Business

110 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2008

Reviews

[Derrick · Rating 1 out of 5]

I grabbed this in preparation for my first board position and I expected an in-depth orientation the blurb promised, but that's not exactly what I got. The book is devoid of any meaningful content and if there is, it is unsatisfactorily represented. I know it's a bit harsh and even rude but in all honesty, I did not learn anything new. And it's not like the author is preaching to the choir here; he completely forgot his reading glasses and most importantly the bible at home. Clemons emulates the format of The One Minute Manager where one has a situation and the other has a remedy which mostly is simpler than expected or an outright farce like in this case. The conversations between the two main protagonists didn't help the book either, if anything, it removed the little nuance that it had. In future, I'll learn to shoulder my expectations especially if it's a management read.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a 2.5 for me. I didn't read the story part with which it began and ended because I just wanted the meat. (The chapter on Confidentiality would be changed to Transparency if you are in a non-profit receiving public funding.) It is remarkably short and to the point with a good summary of qualities and things board members will need to think about in their service. It serves as an outline of topics; folks can look more into the specifics of each topic as applied in their arenas.

[Mark Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fast, easy read with lots of practical advice. Highly recommend this read, which can be read during the lunch hour, to anyone who serves on a board. Will be giving a copy of this to everyone serving on the board of directors I am involved with.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Working at a non-profit and having a board of directors, this is a great book to read and to have our board read. There were several points in it that we need to heed. Like the board needs to attend every meeting period. We have many board members who staff don't even know what they look like because they have never been to a meeting. We have several board members who seem to be on the board just to have it listed on their resume. That's not the type of board we need. I think this book would help our nominating committee with selecting the right people and then I think we need to give every board member a copy.

[Meryl Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review

[Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview - very basic