So... You Want To Be On The Board Of Directors... Huh?

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So...You Want To Be On The Board Of Directors...Huh?

Author Michael Warner

$25.00

So… You Want to Be On the Board of Directors… Huh.? is a comprehensive and pragmatic guide grounded in nearly five decades of uninterrupted board service. Author Michael Warner brings real-world experience from leading boards of companies that, during his tenure, generated over $2 billion in sales and held over $2 billion in assets—organizations that have since grown even further.

This handbook distills Warner’s wide-ranging experiences—covering fiduciary oversight, business planning, capital allocation, crisis management, executive recruitment and succession, incentive design, M&A, and governance policy implementation—into a usable framework for board members at all levels of experience.

Organized around the six core responsibilities of an effective board—HIRE, DEVELOP, CAPITALIZE, MEASURE, INCENTIVIZE, and GOVERN—each section offers clear frameworks, actionable guidance, and real-world lessons. In addition, three board-specific activities—WHO belongs on the board, COMPENSATE board members, and how to effectively GOVERN the board itself—round out the content.

Within each of the nine major categories, the handbook clearly outlines:

What you must do
What you should do
What you could do
What to watch out for

Whether you’re an aspiring board member, a newly appointed director, or an experienced leader wishing to sharpen your governance acumen, this book offers practical insight, structural clarity, and guidance rooted in decades of proven success—and real failures—to help you lead with integrity, influence, and purpose.

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What’s inside

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What’s inside

Six Responsibilities of the Board of Directors

Serving on a Board of Directors means a willingness to use your time and talents to bring organizations to the highest success possible. This handbook is structured to help board members quickly access information and guidance to help you make that happen. The handbook is structured around the six (6) singular responsibilities of the Board of Directors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to get the most out of this book

Is this book meant to be read start to finish?

No. This is a reference guide designed for directors to consult as needed. Each section stands alone and covers specific board responsibilities, so you can jump directly to topics relevant to your role or current challenges.

Who is this book for?

The book is ideal for current board members, aspiring directors, nonprofit leaders, executives who report to boards, and even business owners looking to form effective boards.

What makes this book different from other governance books?

It’s grounded in nearly 50 years of real-world board experience, offering direct, no-fluff insight into what works—and what fails—inside actual boardrooms. It’s built around six core responsibilities every board must fulfill, and includes “what you must do,” “what you should consider,” and “what to watch out for” in each area.

Does the book include templates or tools I can use?

The book includes key questions, decision frameworks, and structured advice to help boards take action—but it’s not a workbook. It’s more like having an experienced board mentor you can turn to anytime.