Director Induction

Induction, the often overlooked but crucial step in the director lifecycle, comes under the spotlight in this insightful discussion between Fi Mercer and Megan Motto. Fi Mercer begins by highlighting the recurring issue in directorships – a lack of attention to the induction process. This stage, she asserts, is where directors often admit their organizations fall short. Megan Motto, drawing from her experience, dives into the world of induction, particularly emphasizing the disheartening statistic that 44% of directors feel their induction did not adequately prepare them for their roles. This number, while alarming, isn't surprising to Megan Motto, who believes that boards don't allocate enough time or effort to this phase. She points out that new directors, on their part, don't always take the time to fully comprehend what they are stepping into. Megan Motto takes a step back to underscore a crucial point – the induction process doesn't start on the first day of the job. It initiates much earlier, the moment the recruitment process begins. The way this process is conducted sets the tone for how the new director perceives the organisation, their role, and how they should engage with it. It's an integral part of the organisation's culture. From the very first interaction, including email correspondence and punctuality, candidates begin to form impressions of the organisation's culture. The key message here is that induction is a continuous process that starts with the first interview and even before, with the initial contact. Everything from the timeliness of responses to the language used contributes to shaping the organisation's culture. This comprehensive perspective on induction challenges boards and directors alike to reconsider their approach. Instead of treating induction as a one-time event, it should be seen as an ongoing process intricately tied to an organisation's culture. Fi Mercer and Megan Motto's discussion underscores the importance of investing time and effort into a robust and thoughtful induction process, which can significantly impact a director's effectiveness and integration into the organisation. It's a call to action for organisations to recognise the far-reaching implications of their induction practices and to take steps to improve them. In doing so, they will not only better prepare their directors but also foster a healthier, more inclusive, and productive organisational culture.