Streamlining Board Decisions: Nick Curum on Effective Board Paper Architecture

In a recent LinkedIn post, Nick Curum offers a compelling analysis of what makes board papers truly effective, arguing that the architecture and clarity of presentation, rather than the sheer volume of analysis, are paramount for efficient decision-making. Curum shares insights gleaned from reviewing numerous executive papers, highlighting a common structure that leads to successful board interactions.

The Power of Brevity and Clarity in Board Papers

Curum begins by recounting an exceptional board paper he reviewed, noting its remarkable brevity and efficiency. “The best board paper I reviewed this year was six slides long. It was approved in under ten minutes,” he states, underscoring that the paper’s success was not due to the depth of its analysis, which he acknowledges was extensive, but rather its strategic design.

“What made it work was not the quality of the analysis. The work behind it was extensive. What made it work was the architecture.”

This emphasis on architecture, as Curum explains, involves a deliberate structuring of information that prioritizes the decision itself. He points out that many struggling boards are not lacking information, but rather a clear articulation of the ask.

Key Principles for High-Impact Board Materials

Curum outlines five core principles that contribute to the effectiveness of board papers:

1. The Decision is on Page One: Curum stresses the importance of stating the proposed decision upfront, rather than burying it or leaving it implied. “The board is being asked to approve X,” he emphasizes as the necessary clarity for the opening.
2. Structure Before Slides: He advocates for testing the logic and argument of the paper before creating the slides, even suggesting the use of AI to challenge the reasoning. This step, according to Curum, is crucial for removing extraneous information.
3. One Message Per Slide: Curum argues that a slide trying to convey multiple ideas dilutes its impact. He posits that “If a slide carries three ideas, it carries none.”
4. Design Serves the Decision: The visual presentation should be clean and direct, featuring a prominent headline, a single supporting chart, and minimal text, making it easily digestible. Curum notes that such slides should be “Readable in under ten seconds.”
5. The Two-Minute Clarity Test: Before submission, Curum recommends a test to ensure that an outsider, not privy to the discussions, can understand the paper and arrive at the same conclusion. If not, he advises revision.

The Root Cause of Boardroom Indecision

Reflecting on his experience, Curum observes a recurring pattern in boardrooms where decisions falter. “The boards I have seen struggle with decisions rarely lack information. They lack a clear ask,” he asserts. This directness, he suggests, is the critical component often missing from otherwise well-researched materials.

Curum concludes by inviting further discussion from professionals who prepare board materials, asking about structural changes that have significantly improved the reception of their papers. His insights provide a valuable framework for enhancing executive communication and streamlining corporate governance processes.