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Use this for an individual you are considering for a senior role.

Base your responses on what you have seen evidenced in behaviour, not what you believe they are capable of.

How to use

Board Readiness Diagnostic

Most organisations can identify high-potential talent.

But how many can confidently say those individuals are ready for true board-level leadership?

This short diagnostic is designed to help you sense-check readiness when considering promotion. It focuses on how leaders operate at senior level.

Decision-Making Under Pressure

Makes timely decisions without needing absolute certainty

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Demonstrates balanced judgement, not just reliance on data

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Remains effective when outcomes are unpredictable or unclear

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Enterprise Thinking

Prioritises organisational outcomes over functional success

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Navigates competing priorities across the organisation effectively

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Demonstrates awareness of wider system impact when making decisions

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Influence and Stakeholder Navigation

Influences peers and senior stakeholders without relying on authority

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Responds constructively when challenged

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Adapts approach depending on stakeholder context

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Identity Shift and Letting Go

Steps back from detail and operates at a strategic level

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Delegates effectively and trusts others to deliver

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Comfortable not being the expert in the room

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Visibility and Pressure

Remains consistent under pressure and scrutiny

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Communicates clearly in uncertain or fast-moving situations

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Creates stability for others when situations feel unclear

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Support and Sponsorship

Has planned structured support ready for transition to board

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Has ongoing sponsor engagement that will last beyond leadership appointment

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Sets aside space for reflection and challenge, not just delivery

Single choice
Strong evidence
Some evidence
Limited evidence
No evidence

Where are you most confident in this leader’s readiness?

Where might readiness be assumed rather than evidenced?

What would be the cost of getting this wrong?

If you’d like a short summary of your responses or a follow-up conversation, you can leave your details below.

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