"an organisation is ultimately only as good as those who lead it. this book shows how directors - or those in equivalent roles - can add real value to their organisations and, in the process, gain a strong sense of satisfaction from their roles." miles templeman, director general, institute of directors "neville bain has drawn on his wide experience of board membership and leadership to offer sound practical advice to directors on how to make the best of their boards - and to boards on how to make the best of their directors." sir adrian cadbury "this book would be valuable for all directors - whether of public or private companies or those filling equivalent roles in not-for-profit organisations. it should be especially helpful to all those who are seeking to improve performance or who are seeking to take on the role in new organisations. i especially applaud the emphasis on nurturing and growing talent to improve organisational and personal effectiveness." richard boggis-rolf, chief executive, odgers ray and berndtson [international search firm and number 1 in the uk] "i found neville bain's book very useful. it helped me become a more effective non-executive director of the two indian based companies on whose boards i serve." prof. catherine rosenberg, university research chair, university of waterloo, canada "this is an excellent work of international importance. we will use this book in russia as a valuable set piece for our directors." alexander ikonikov, chairman, independent directors association russia and non-executive director, baltika. alexander filatov, ceo, independent directors association russia and independent director, second power generating co. "neville bain has written a handy beginner's guide for directors of u.k. firms that are subject to london stock exchange regulations and other laws. this practical book offers corporate case studies and checklists for assessing everything from overall board effectiveness to directors' leadership traits and "ethical health". getabstract "bain's cogent, level-headed study explains how directors can ensure that their companies behave appropriately and how business can rebuild bonds of trust with the public." engineering management, dec-jan '07-08 "bain, has a formidable record as a manager and non-executive, in the non-profit sector as well as companies. he's sharp, to the point of brusque - ness" "useful as a checklist of directorial duties" public, january 2008 "the book is an insight into the workings of an effective board and argues the real benefit of a good governance structure." "a most useful book to alert the reader to the key governance challenges they face." business executive, february 2008 "this guide to best boardroom practice is based not just on statutory and voluntary codes of conduct - on good theory - but also on close observation of real directors and boards." manager, april 2008