Different is Better.  That was the name of the research-driven paper I led five years ago that addressed why a heterogeneous board is a good idea. While those points remain valid, I decided against recycling old work (although if you email us, we’ll gladly send it to you) to cut to the chase.

The punch line that I should have delivered as succinctly back then: 

THINK DIFFERENT!

Yes, I am shamelessly borrowing the words of Steve Jobs and his ad agency, so please don’t sue me.  The truth is that they said it better than anyone, so it bears repeating: 

THINK DIFFERENT!

Why is it important to Think Different?  Because people who think just like the person sitting next to them might be…ahem, just like the person sitting next to them.  There is nothing wrong with agreeing with your peers; in fact, if you come to agreement after looking at an issue a few different ways, then chances are higher that you have arrived at the best conclusion.  But if you come to agreement because you all think the same way from the start, then you probably haven’t stress-tested the topic, haven’t looked at it from different angles, and are running a risk, potentially a large one.  The role of a board member is to bring a level of independence, objectivity and constructive challenge to the organization.  Fresh thinking and different perspectives are important to pushing forward.

The best way for board members to challenge themselves to Think Different is to have people at the table who already do that, owing to their different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.  Thinking Different is contagious: when one person starts doing it, others feel inspired and empowered to do so as well.  A good board member understands the importance of this. A great board member does something about it.

Think you know enough about your customers? Your employees? Your shareholders? Do you have people on the board who bring those perspectives? Are you rising to the level of independence, objectivity and constructive challenge that enables maximum contribution?

 “Yes-Men”, move over.  It’s time to Think Different.