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The Imperfect Board Member: Discovering the Seven Disciplines of Governance Excellence
Praise for The Imperfect Board Member "Finally! A book about boards that isn't boring!"
--Patrick Lencioni, author, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team "Everyone wins with good governance--countries, corporations, and community groups. In a compelling style like no one before him, Jim Brown helps leaders understand the keys for boardroom excellence. The Imperfect Board Member ought to be required reading for people on every type of board. The great thing is that it won't need to be required--it's such a fun book, every leader will want to read it."
--Jim Balsillie, chairman and co-CEO, Research in Motion; chair, Centre for International Governance Innovation "I know no board members, myself included, who won't learn valuable lessons from Jim Brown's book The Imperfect Board Member . Don't miss it!"
--Ken Blanchard, coauthor, The One-Minute Manager and The Secret "Thanks to Sarbanes-Oxley, boards have become active. The Imperfect Board Member clarifies sharply the lines of what boards need to do and what management needs to do. The time has come for the two groups to work together and yet keep independent."
--Ram Charan, coauthor, Execution, and author, Boards That Deliver " The Imperfect Board Member by Jim Brown is a highly perceptive, eminently readable, engagingly human book on how boards and directors can improve their performance. In a breezy conversational style that uses dialogue invitingly and often, the author explores with sensitivity and a light touch not only the standard ingredients but also the more subtle nuances of excellence in both corporate and not-for-profit governance."
--William A. Dimma, author, Tougher Boards for Tougher Times ; chairman, Home Capital Group Inc.
--Patrick Lencioni, author, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team "Everyone wins with good governance--countries, corporations, and community groups. In a compelling style like no one before him, Jim Brown helps leaders understand the keys for boardroom excellence. The Imperfect Board Member ought to be required reading for people on every type of board. The great thing is that it won't need to be required--it's such a fun book, every leader will want to read it."
--Jim Balsillie, chairman and co-CEO, Research in Motion; chair, Centre for International Governance Innovation "I know no board members, myself included, who won't learn valuable lessons from Jim Brown's book The Imperfect Board Member . Don't miss it!"
--Ken Blanchard, coauthor, The One-Minute Manager and The Secret "Thanks to Sarbanes-Oxley, boards have become active. The Imperfect Board Member clarifies sharply the lines of what boards need to do and what management needs to do. The time has come for the two groups to work together and yet keep independent."
--Ram Charan, coauthor, Execution, and author, Boards That Deliver " The Imperfect Board Member by Jim Brown is a highly perceptive, eminently readable, engagingly human book on how boards and directors can improve their performance. In a breezy conversational style that uses dialogue invitingly and often, the author explores with sensitivity and a light touch not only the standard ingredients but also the more subtle nuances of excellence in both corporate and not-for-profit governance."
--William A. Dimma, author, Tougher Boards for Tougher Times ; chairman, Home Capital Group Inc.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published September 29, 2006
52 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Jim Brown
2 books2 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Co-Founder and Consulting Partner for STRIVE!. Bestselling author of The Imperfect Board Member.
Co-Founder and Consulting Partner for STRIVE!. Bestselling author of The Imperfect Board Member.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 2, 2022
Interesting format that I rather enjoyed. Found myself relating the experiences to my corporate work environment, not just my non-profit board
March 30, 2019
Hope is a choice. Add to it perseverance and that’s what changes the world.
When faced with writing a book about a dull subject (like, say, board governance), one has basically two options. You can write a dry, tedious textbook about the subject which will be forced upon helpless university organizational theory students at $120 a pop. Or, you can couch the main ideas within a fictional narrative to try to make things more interesting and maybe, just maybe, entice people to read the book of their own volition. In this case, the author has chosen the latter option. As a result, I read the book.
Now my experience with these types of books tells me that there is a general pattern that is followed with this style of writing. There are usually two main characters. The first is the “guru” who knows it all, has years of experience and never gets rattled. As she is perfectly gracious and patient, she seeks out and takes under her wing the “bumbling fool” who is completely clueless when it comes to the given topic (e.g. board governance) and usually has no notion of common sense at all. By the end of the story the bumbling fool has realized the error of his ways and with the help of the guru has completely grasped the concepts presented and transformed all areas of his life.
I have read books like this in the past and the narrative never comes off feeling quite authentic. I get it, the point is not the narrative, it’s the ideas behind the narrative but it still comes off feeling forced and suffers somewhat as a result. This book is no different but I do feel like it succeeds in this regard better than most. There were actually a few times when I entered into the story and forgot that I was learning about board governance. And at the end of the day, it’s better than reading a textbook.
This is a pretty easy read and covers the main principles behind effective board governance in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. It provides a concise set of principles and common pitfalls to be aware of when you are interacting with a board, be that internally or externally. Given the brevity of this book and the easy writing style, this book an obvious starting point for anyone wanting to understand more about board governance.
When faced with writing a book about a dull subject (like, say, board governance), one has basically two options. You can write a dry, tedious textbook about the subject which will be forced upon helpless university organizational theory students at $120 a pop. Or, you can couch the main ideas within a fictional narrative to try to make things more interesting and maybe, just maybe, entice people to read the book of their own volition. In this case, the author has chosen the latter option. As a result, I read the book.
Now my experience with these types of books tells me that there is a general pattern that is followed with this style of writing. There are usually two main characters. The first is the “guru” who knows it all, has years of experience and never gets rattled. As she is perfectly gracious and patient, she seeks out and takes under her wing the “bumbling fool” who is completely clueless when it comes to the given topic (e.g. board governance) and usually has no notion of common sense at all. By the end of the story the bumbling fool has realized the error of his ways and with the help of the guru has completely grasped the concepts presented and transformed all areas of his life.
I have read books like this in the past and the narrative never comes off feeling quite authentic. I get it, the point is not the narrative, it’s the ideas behind the narrative but it still comes off feeling forced and suffers somewhat as a result. This book is no different but I do feel like it succeeds in this regard better than most. There were actually a few times when I entered into the story and forgot that I was learning about board governance. And at the end of the day, it’s better than reading a textbook.
This is a pretty easy read and covers the main principles behind effective board governance in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. It provides a concise set of principles and common pitfalls to be aware of when you are interacting with a board, be that internally or externally. Given the brevity of this book and the easy writing style, this book an obvious starting point for anyone wanting to understand more about board governance.
February 25, 2019
Helpful principles
October 1, 2021
Some great advice for people (such as myself) who find themselves on a board and quickly realize they have no idea what they're doing, or what exactly a board is supposed to be doing (and not doing) in the first place.
It's told in a story format, which makes it a little more entertaining, but by the end devolves into characters engaging in long soliloquies enumerating the author's points.
Not perfect (just like you, right?); plugs the author's business a lot, and I wished for a lot more concrete examples of common problems and how to address them. But very much worth reading, and at less than 200 pages (fewer if you don't count the ones that are pictures of a Blackberry), not a large investment in the first place.
It's told in a story format, which makes it a little more entertaining, but by the end devolves into characters engaging in long soliloquies enumerating the author's points.
Not perfect (just like you, right?); plugs the author's business a lot, and I wished for a lot more concrete examples of common problems and how to address them. But very much worth reading, and at less than 200 pages (fewer if you don't count the ones that are pictures of a Blackberry), not a large investment in the first place.
December 7, 2022
Practical, potent and powerful!
In a highly accessible style and with eminently applicable content, author and consultant Jim Brown leads the reader on a tour de force in board leadership. Whether you are a board member, chairman or sit on a not-for-profit board pick up this book today. You will immediately benefit from Brown’s wit and wisdom in this very effective leadership fable. Get yours today…you’ll be glad you did.
In a highly accessible style and with eminently applicable content, author and consultant Jim Brown leads the reader on a tour de force in board leadership. Whether you are a board member, chairman or sit on a not-for-profit board pick up this book today. You will immediately benefit from Brown’s wit and wisdom in this very effective leadership fable. Get yours today…you’ll be glad you did.
October 18, 2017
As someone who had literally no knowlege of how boards work and operate, this book was a valuable resource in helping me understand their roles, in both corperations, and not for profit orginizations. And should i ever be seated on a board how best to operate with in my role.
November 3, 2023
Not a big fan of fable style writing for non fiction business books. The model can be covered in a tenth of the length of the book.
Not entirely sure how the model applies to an S-Corp where the owners are a select percentage of the full time employees.
Not entirely sure how the model applies to an S-Corp where the owners are a select percentage of the full time employees.
September 19, 2024
Think this is a great resource, quite approachable for everyone. They should just provide an abridged version of the last 30 pages so if you could care less about the narrative portion and read just the summary you can.
April 18, 2025
It's an easy audio read for board governance. The story unfolds weaving in tidbits of information as David navigates as CEO the purpose of a board to direct and protect. A good book for a professional book club or any board member or executive staff.
December 27, 2025
Enjoyed this book, outlines a basic framework for Board governance that’s an applicable read for most individuals working within corporate or non-profit organizations to gain a better understanding of how Board of Directors integrate within the organization.
May 21, 2018
I read this for the UCU Partners board, it was good for discussion but not the best writing.
September 1, 2019
If you're going to serve on a board no matter how big the company, I would say this is a must.
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October 20, 2021recommend for all interested in the inner dynamics of boardship
February 21, 2022
Did not finish. In my estimation, a 200 page infomercial. I am sure there are some words of wisdom in it, just don't have the motivation to get through the whole thing to find them.
May 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I feel as though it says what it needs to in a way that doesn’t drone on. It also gives a lot of helpful tips.
March 2, 2023
This is presented in a slightly cheesy manner but it is effective in providing examples of promising practices in board governance.
November 25, 2024
Reading this because it was recommended to me by one of my fellow board members. I enjoyed it, it's written in a narrative style that makes it engaging as you learn governance principles.
April 28, 2018
I'd hardly call it a page-turner, but it was a light and easy-enough read, and it did clarify for me what a board is and does, where before I really had no idea.
October 31, 2014
The Imperfect Board Member: Discovering the Seven Disciplines of Governing Excellence is the “imperfect book.” I was disappointed – to say the least. I am a huge fan of Patrick Lencioni and thus took his endorsement and the fact that he written the foreward seriously. AND I have personally struggled with both serving on boards and having to wrestle with boards as an executive leader. Thus, an easily accessible guide to board management, would have been nice. However, any book that can be digested over a 15-minute breakfast and a copy of coffee – really isn’t worth the time.
Patrick Lencioni’s books tell wonderful (albeit simple) anecdotes that highlight fundamental truths of leadership and business. Brown’s Imperfect story is simple… but doesn’t come with the same punch, clarity, and decisiveness of Lencioni’s simple genius. For more of this review go to...
http://bibliophilicaffections.wordpre...
Patrick Lencioni’s books tell wonderful (albeit simple) anecdotes that highlight fundamental truths of leadership and business. Brown’s Imperfect story is simple… but doesn’t come with the same punch, clarity, and decisiveness of Lencioni’s simple genius. For more of this review go to...
http://bibliophilicaffections.wordpre...
January 3, 2011
I've attended a library conference and heard the author speaker before. Personally I think his live presentation is much better than the book. The book is written as a novel, and includes light references to the main character's home life. Things are going from bad to worse with balancing the relationship between work and family.
When G.E.M. (Governance Excellence Model) is reviewed and put into practice, positive results are the reward. The GEM is sort of a play on the word .. picture a cut diamond and how each facet reflects standards for board members ... direct, protect, respect, reflect, select, expect, and connect.
For pdf documents on applications for each facet visit this link: STRIVE
When G.E.M. (Governance Excellence Model) is reviewed and put into practice, positive results are the reward. The GEM is sort of a play on the word .. picture a cut diamond and how each facet reflects standards for board members ... direct, protect, respect, reflect, select, expect, and connect.
For pdf documents on applications for each facet visit this link: STRIVE
May 17, 2011
If you're looking for a novel, you've picked the wrong book. The author, using a short story as the medium, sets out to introduce one to the principles of good governance. This easy to read and understand (albeit a little cheesy) story explains the concepts plainly and applies them to "real life" situations. The GEM principles appear quite sound but are presented in a way a person new to this sort of thing will not find intimidating or confusing. Someone already familiar with, and a firm believer in this method, probably would do better to move onto something a little more in depth (like that "Carver" expert I ran into at the last convention - talk about hijacking a lecture, but I digress...)
December 18, 2016
I was require to read this book for one class in my doctorate program. It's an interesting business book that reads like a novel. I never really understood what boards or board members were required to do and this book broke it down and made it easy to understand. I like the fact that it shows what the typically board does and what it should be doing. I wasn't thrilled with the simple, basic way it developed the characters or described them, but the business information is good.
September 18, 2012
Great book for people new to serving on boards or who serve on bad boards and want to know how to make them better. The author uses a fictional story to help define the role of a board. Good insight and very quick and easy read. This is a good supplement to other books one might read to learn how boards operate and how to serve effectively.
March 21, 2013
The Imperfect Board Member is a great parable that quickly and easily communicates the most important aspects of organizational leadership. It really helped me when I was on the Board of Directors for a global organization where we needed to interact with our staff and our members on different levels.
December 30, 2020
For what this book was trying to do, it did it well. I suggest you read the introduction so you would understand why the fable is written the way it was.
I recommend this book to you if you have some board experience but are confused at what role the board has, and how that role compares to the rest of the organization.
I am a member of a non-profit board and this book has helped me.
I recommend this book to you if you have some board experience but are confused at what role the board has, and how that role compares to the rest of the organization.
I am a member of a non-profit board and this book has helped me.
Currently reading
December 22, 2010Easy to read parable
June 14, 2016
Good governance tips, mediocre story-telling.
January 24, 2013
Basic, but a great little handbook for anyone putting together a board of directors for the first time.
July 6, 2014
One of the better looks at leading from the board level I have seen. Very helpful for anyone who serves on a board of any kind (for-profit or not for profit)
September 2, 2014
Good thoughts. Not very well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews