2. Use Neutral Framing
Defensive reactions often arise from how something is said. You can reduce resistance by using language that sounds curious, not confrontational:
The NED’s Role in Strategic Tension
Non-Executive Directors are expected to bring independent judgement, fresh perspective, and effective oversight. But one of the most underused tools at their disposal is constructive challenge.
Done well, challenge sharpens thinking, tests assumptions, and improves decisions. Avoiding it can lead to groupthink, unchecked risk, or weak accountability.
Strategic tension in the boardroom is not a sign of failure. It’s often evidence that a board is doing its job properly.
The Cost of Silence
Boards that lack challenge often:
- Over-rely on executive assumptions
- Make decisions too quickly or without sufficient scrutiny
- Miss key risks or stakeholder considerations
- Fail to consider alternative scenarios
The absence of challenge is rarely neutral. It actively weakens governance.
Constructive Challenge Is a Skill
Bringing challenge into the boardroom does not mean being combative, disruptive, or negative. It’s a skill that blends tone, timing, and technique.
Good challenge is:
- Focused – directed at issues, not individuals
- Informed – based on data, experience, or genuine curiosity
- Respectful – maintains trust while surfacing difficult truths
- Purposeful – aims to improve decisions, not score points
Five Practical Ways to Challenge Well
1. Ask Better Questions
Great NEDs challenge by asking questions that deepen thinking. Try:
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“What assumptions are we making here?”
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“What would we regret not asking before we proceed?”
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“Have we explored enough alternative options?”
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“Help me understand how we reached this view”
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“Would it be useful to test this from another perspective?”
3. Invite Strategic Pause
Sometimes the greatest contribution is slowing down a decision:
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“Before we move forward, is there anything we haven't yet considered?”
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“Have we pressure-tested this in a worst-case scenario?”
4. Recognise Boardroom Patterns
Pay attention to dynamics:
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Are a few voices dominating?
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Is consensus being reached too quickly?
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Are risk or stakeholder concerns being downplayed?
Challenge can be as simple as rebalancing the conversation.
5. Create Space for Others
Challenge is not just something you deliver. It is something you create. A well-timed question to another board member can bring hidden perspectives into the open.
When Challenge Feels Difficult
You might hesitate to challenge when:
- You’re new to the board and still building credibility
- You feel out of step with the group
- The board culture is conflict-averse
- There’s a lack of psychological safety
In these situations, consider:
- Asking questions, not giving opinions
- Supporting quieter members to speak
- Following up privately if needed
Reflect: How Constructive Is Your Challenge?
Ask yourself:
- Do I regularly ask thoughtful, non-obvious questions?
- Do I speak up when I see risk or misalignment?
- Am I helping the board slow down when needed?
- Do I adapt my tone to maintain influence and trust?
Constructive challenge requires awareness, discipline, and courage. It also requires an ongoing commitment to your own effectiveness as a board member.
Boards are not just there to oversee performance. They are there to shape it. That requires NEDs who can speak with clarity, test ideas rigorously, and hold the organisation to account without damaging trust.
Good challenge creates better decisions.
Constructive tension, independent thinking, and strategic challenge are at the heart of great governance. If you’re ready to deepen your boardroom impact and build the confidence to ask the right questions at the right time, Actuate’s Certified Non-Executive Director Qualification can help you get there.
Explore the programme and discover how it equips aspiring and current NEDs with the skills, insight and credibility to lead with influence. Download the programme prospectus below.
