Choose board members who coach
Weiss, writing from his time as CEO of IronPort, lists what he wanted in board members: transparency and honest feedback, experience, sharp opinions, quick responsiveness and real contribution beyond attending meetings. He advises CEOs to choose their board members by getting more than one term sheet and checking references, and to look for a coach rather than someone who pulls levers.
“A board member needs to materially contribute to the success of the business.”— Scott Weiss, The Best Board Member, Oct 2013
Do this
Write down what you need from your next board member and call two of their former CEOs for a reference before you accept a term sheet.