20 Questions for Management on the Future of the Business

In brief: Boards and management teams face a critical challenge: how to craft strategy in the face of trends that have the potential to make existing business models obsolete, change industry structure or operating conditions, derail growth, or provide a transformative opportunity for the long-term strategy of the organization. The most important role the board can play in strategy discussions is in the questions they put to the executive team about the future of the business, its operating environment, and the team’s assumptions about the future. An effective dialogue allows the board and management to challenge assumptions and test future scenarios. Directors can use this tool to help facilitate a robust and dynamic conversation about strategy with management to help navigate the future of the business.

Most relevant audiences: board chairs, lead directors, c-suite executives, nominating and governance committee members