On my various boards there are only five members under 30. I find their contribution at the board table invaluable. They do not have the years of governance experience that other board members have and that is what I find so refreshing.
Of course they are learning the ropes as they go, but they shouldn't have to wait until they are 40-plus to start their governance journey,
They are willing to be guided and at the same time are prepared to bring innovative ideas and original thinking to the various issues boards have to grapple with.
From firsthand observation over many years, I don't believe that just by being an older experienced board member, you have the monopoly on sound judgment and top decision making skills. Far from it. Now I believe sometimes age and life experience can get in the way.
We are all a product of our upbringing which is not necessarily a bad thing. This underpins many of the views and values we hold today. Why we think the way we do and do the things we do.
We often make judgments that align with how we were bought up. As we get older this is a comfortable position to be in. No stretch of the imagination required. We become inflexible in our thinking and default to what we know best.
This is not always good from a governance position. We must be open to new ideas, new ways of thinking and realise that experiences and expectations have changed.
This does not mean dumbing down governance or slacking off in the role. Quite the contrary. But it does require a heightened awareness of what's going on around us in all areas that matter to those we represent.
With the five under-30s I work with, their views are fresh. Not weighed down by years of life and work experience.
They don't see dark clouds looming. They have contemporary views and modern-day perspectives. They see a bright future ahead and know they will be part of it. They don't get bogged down in what happened years ago, they don't particularly want to know.
I am always surprised at the calculated risks they are prepared to take. Far more than I would have dared when starting out. They hear and see the cautious approach invariably being argued around the board table.
Arguments they say that prevents progress.
I particularly like that they are not "star struck". Everyone they work alongside carries equal weight in board discussions.
Todd Barclay was an up and coming member of Parliament.
The youngest member in this National Government at 23 when elected.
As soon as he was elected he started to make himself conspicuous. Running around wanting to be seen and heard. He pulled that one off all right.
Now that he has fallen from grace, and on his sword, his age is being used to endorse the idea that those entering Parliament should have some years of experience under their belt first.
I don't think experience was the main issue in Barclay's case. In my opinion It was simply a matter of character failing.
The under-30s I work with make significant governance decisions. They are responsible for the oversight and prudent management of organisations accountable for millions of taxpayer and ratepayer dollars.
They work with their board colleagues to make the best decisions possible. They are independent thinkers committed to playing a positive role in moving their organisations to a better and brighter future.
They know what's at stake if they falter in their important work.
Would that more boards had half their members made up of these committed and talented younger citizens.
- By Merepeka Raukawa-Tait
