What is the GEM?

Governing well is no easy task. It takes knowledge, skill, and experience. It takes courage and character. And it takes teamwork, in the sense of everyone bringing their unique talents and backgrounds to work together for the best interests of the people the board serves. The track record of board disasters over the past several years underscores how demanding board work can be. But even with all the challenges, it need not be complicated.

The Governance Excellence Model illustrates the keys for boards to do their part in making their organizations successful. Shown as a diamond—a GEM—it has six facets or areas of responsibility. There are disciplines associated with each area of responsibility and these disciplines capture the essence of the board's work.

Remembering the seven disciplines will help board members keep their governance priorities top of mind.