The HBR Executive Playbook on protecting governance, repairing trust, and keeping the work on track. by Rachel DuRose
January 7, 2026
The job of a corporate board is to scrutinize management’s assumptions, stress-test strategies, and protect the interests of shareholders. A healthy tension between company leaders and the board is to be expected; however, it’s not uncommon to encounter a board member whose skepticism or criticism feels disruptive, adversarial, personal, or even hostile.


