Being on a board isn’t just about enjoying karipaps at meetings, nodding while someone talks about “value creation,” and collecting pretty name tags. It’s serious business and goes way beyond just being Datuk’s son or someone’s “anak kawan baik.” Real board members need to bring their A-game and not just their VIP passes. The role is about merit – plain and simple. You’re there to contribute, guide, and sometimes ask the tough questions that make people shift in their seats.
And let’s be clear: a board member’s job isn’t to play hero during the good times and then become an Olympic-level finger-pointer when investments don’t go as planned. That’s amateur hour. Instead, when the storm hits, a strong board member stands beside the founder, offering guidance and solutions, not handing throwing them under the bus. Founders have passion by the truckload, and with that comes moments of adrenaline – fueled decisions. The board? We’re the calming cup of teh tarik, reminding everyone to pace themselves before they try to build five new ventures while still figuring out the first.
Speaking of responsibility, there’s a golden rule to board etiquette: don’t tarnish your dignity or that of the company. This means when faced with a crowd (or keyboard warriors) asking tough questions about company losses, a board member doesn’t snap, “Maybe the public should have a life” (Yes, we all saw that, and yes, we’re still cringing). A true board member addresses issues with integrity, professionalism, and a dash of humility, not with words that make the company’s PR team break out in cold sweats.
I’ve had my fair share of board seats – from local enterprises to the international big leagues – and I’ve learned that a good board member doesn’t just bring credentials; they bring stability, humor, and a keen eye for growth without the drama. It’s not about parading board experience in a LinkedIn profile like a badge collection either. A true board member knows that their real impact is felt in the decisions made behind closed doors, in steering the ship through rough waters, and in the quiet, strategic moments that shape a company’s future. If that kind of balanced, strategic leadership resonates (just saying), it’s something I’ve been known to bring to the table. And who knows, maybe you’ll see me at your next boardroom meeting, ready to roll up my sleeves.