On Board

Countless people across the globe volunteer their time, expertise and energy on boards, whether they sit on a parish council or the directorship of a multinational company. Such bodies shape how organisations of every size are run and whether they thrive. John Tusa, a former BBC broadcaster who led the BBC World Service and the Barbican Centre, opens the doors of the boardroom in this book. He recounts clashing personalities and periods of financial turmoil from his years on a range of international boards, including the British Museum and American Public Radio. His accounts show how boards repair deep divisions, choose new members and endure crises.

Drawing on these experiences, Tusa offers practical advice on working well in collaborative settings. He explains how to deal with powerful personalities and how to balance cooperation with effective decision-making. Part memoir and part manual, the book suits anyone who finds boards or committees difficult, as well as anyone working in a team-based environment.