Seven Ds for independent directors

All know the seven Ds but frequently fall prey to groupthink and fail to act

An army officer once faced several yet unproven charges. General Sam Maneckshaw reportedly advised him, “How can you now lead your men? If I were you, I would shoot myself or resign.” Such is the dilemma faced today by board independent directors (IDs).

Smoky controversies about CEOs and directors envelope important institutions. Like the wild Californian fires, public commentaries scald reputations and careers, sometimes legitimately. Amidst such corporate realities, I had a breakfast meeting with an independent director. His discussion question to me was, “When an independent director disagrees, is it adequate to merely record his disagreement? Is that independent?” 

Governance has