BusinessWeek Online -- Managing

Trouble at the Office?

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:31:00 EDT

You identified your problems at work. Together we found answers

Board Governance 101: Lessons from Alcatel-Lucent

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:48:00 EDT

Nine thorny questions to ask about a company in trouble, on everything from oversight to CEO succession

Talent Management: How to Invest in Your Workforce

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:36:00 EDT

An exclusive study from IBM and Human Capital Institute finds nonprofits and midsize companies coming up short in employee management

Make Green R&D a Competitive Advantage

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:48:00 EDT

A strategic approach to integrating sustainability into your company's research agenda

Interactive Case Study: Booring Your Employees

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:31:00 EDT

Bad behavior started even before the job started and only got worse. Could anything have been done to change the situation?

Go For It Brett

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:27:00 EDT

Why retiring successfully is so much harder than it looks—and not just for top athletes

Tough Career Advice for Tough Times

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:42:00 EDT

No one will look out for you but yourself. Make yourself indispensable, but if your company or industry is in trouble, make a move fast

I Want My Private Life Back

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:17:00 EDT

Yes, breaking down of boundaries between one's personal and professional lives work for some people. But Paul Michelman talks about why that doesn't work for him

Do You Hide Your Inner Bruce Wayne?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:32:00 EDT

What masks do you wear at work? What would happen if you dropped them and let people see what's underneath?

Graduation Wisdom for Future CEOs

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 11:01:00 EDT

While commencement speakers at top B-schools dodged the recession issue, one imperative was stressed: Leaders will have to adapt

Office Wear: A Tale of Two Generations

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:19:00 EDT

Boomer women stick with the Murphy Brown look. Millennials see nothing wrong with a little skin

Reinventing Careers

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 14:14:00 EDT

The ability to recombine your skills, talents, and experience to move between job functions, departments, or industries is a new form of job security

How to Wage Executive Warfare

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:52:00 EDT

At the top management level, writes David D'Alessandro, leaders need real insight into how their employees and peers think

Trust Among Your Team Trumps Policies

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:12:00 EDT

Yes, you could ask employees to prove that they were really out sick or at their grandmother's funeral. Instead, why not treat people like grown-ups?

How to Take the 'Diss' Out of Dissent

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:47:00 EDT

When a useful employee undercuts your authority by questioning decisions, it's best to lay down the law—firmly, privately, and politely

Six Signs You Don't Care About Workers

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:02:00 EDT

How to gauge whether your company's happy talk about employees being its best asset has any basis in reality

"Second Chance" Principles That Work for Business

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:47:00 EDT

Scott Silverman's agency, Second Chance, helps keep former inmates out of prison by emphasizing respect, integrity, and truth, and says these are the core for any business as well

Today's Top 10 Talent-Management Challenges

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:40:00 EDT

Tammy Erickson on the dilemmas and problems managers and companies must contend with

Getting the Most from Management Teams

Fri, 30 May 2008 15:12:00 EDT

For CEOs and their team members who don't see eye to eye on the team's effectiveness, an outside coach might be just the ticket

Leadership Lessons of YouTube

Thu, 29 May 2008 15:59:00 EDT

Many politicians have embraced online video as a means to connect with voters and constituents. Should CEOs follow suit?

Ten Reasons Gen Xers Are Unhappy at Work

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:50:00 EDT

Corporations really need folks in their 30s to early 40s, but there is a tentative relationship at best between that cohort and Corporate America

You Have to Make Them Love Their Jobs

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:58:00 EDT

It takes special skills to manage today's highly skilled professionals. They need encouragement and inspiration more than simple direction

Slide Show: Tips for Mentors

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:31:00 EDT

Here's a checklist of points to keep in mind to make sure your mentee gets the most out of an on-the-job mentorship

How to Build a Winning Team

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:38:00 EDT

Guest columnist Nikos Mourkogiannis says a group's success ultimately depends on its balance. He offers a simplified framework to get the right mix

Learning from the Olympics

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:31:00 EDT

From GE to Nestlé to watchmaker Omega, companies use the Games to test-drive new ideas—and strut their stuff

Corporate Social Irresponsibility

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 23:50:00 EDT

Despite PR posturing, corporate philanthropy is down from 25 years ago. To be taken seriously, companies should pledge 1% of pretax earnings, say Leo Hindery Jr. and Curt Weeden

Psychoanalysis in the Name of Coca-Cola

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:48:00 EDT

Harvard Business Online's Paul Michelman on what Tiger Woods, chicken soup, and an upside-down ice-cream sundae have to do with Coke

The Paradox of Latino Leaders

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EDT

Stereotypes and certain cultural norms have worked against Latinos in Corporate America. Here's advice on overcoming those preconceptions

Getting a Handle on CEO Severance Pay

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:43:00 EDT

Many executives receive lavish compensation after a mediocre term of service. But boards are gaining the independence to ask tough questions

Bill Taylor: Pixar's Blockbuster Secrets

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:27:00 EDT

Wall-E is just the latest No. 1 movie for the animation giant, whose success owes more to its corporate culture than its movies' content

Why 'How' Matters More Than Ever

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:52:00 EDT

New columnist Dov Seidman says human connections are key in a hyperconnected world—no matter whether you're a doughnut maker or a doctor

How the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company Is Redefining the Gold Standard

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:11:00 EDT

From Chapter One of The New Gold Standard by Joseph A. Michelli

Change the Way You Create Value

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:13:00 EDT

The financial services industry did it by rethinking credit cards. What do you sell that you need to rethink?

Fred Hassan on Learning from Adversity

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:49:00 EDT

The Schering-Plough chairman and CEO talks about overcoming and learning from adversity in business and in life

A New Political Agenda for Business?

Thu, 22 May 2008 14:24:00 EDT

This election, business leaders should offer Washington a set of plans that will restore the country's economic strength and global standing

Why Sharing with Competitors Is Smart

Wed, 21 May 2008 11:36:00 EDT

Jim Koch, founder and chairman of Boston Beer Co., explains why it shared 10 tons of hops at cost with craft brewers

When Your Company Outgrows Its Board

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:02:00 EDT

The needs of an expanded organization differ from those of a startup. New CEOs often bristle at boards that micromanage rather than govern

Governing in a Recession

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 10:44:00 EDT

Boards today have specially tough decisions to make. Here are some tips for revisiting your corporate strategy in light of current threats

Microsoft's Gates: Bye, See You Next Week

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:31:00 EDT

BusinessWeek talks to Bill Gates as his "final" day at Microsoft approaches

Directors: Remember the Basics

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:21:00 EDT

In a down market, directors must maintain focus on the fundamentals: state of the business, management, and company liquidity

CEO Succession

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 14:34:00 EDT

If a board wants to go beyond firefighting and into stewardship, it must realize that building an unassailable process is a shared responsibility

Emerging Markets Want More from Investors

Thu, 15 May 2008 15:38:00 EDT

Western companies can no longer just invest in a foreign country and claim they're helping local economies. Governments want proof

Corporate Governance in China and India

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EDT

Indian companies with global ambitions are better governed than their Chinese counterparts, a Harvard professor says. But in competition, it may not matter

What If Someone Hires Your CEO?

Thu, 3 Apr 2008 22:03:00 EDT

That's what happened when Merrill Lynch lured CEO John Thain away from NYSE Euronext. A member of the board offers some lessons in emergency succession planning

Governance Lessons from Silicon Valley

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:39:00 EDT

The tech world is light years ahead in dealing with rapid global change, immigration issues, engineering education, and online business

How to Get a Fast Start in a New Job

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:31:00 EDT

Don't plan on hiring an onboarding specialist? Here are ideas for a great start from consultants who help senior executives switch into new jobs:

How to Follow a Powerful Leader

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:31:00 EDT

It's never easy, but James M. Citrin, a senior director at executive search firm Spencer Stuart and co-author of You’re in Charge —Now What?, offers four guidelines:

How to Give a Smart Performance Review

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:31:00 EDT

Reviews are time-consuming, bureaucratic, and stressful for everyone. Here's how to put the performance back into the process

How to Create a Great Customer Service Experience

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:31:00 EDT

Creating consistently good customer experiences is one of the hardest tasks in business. Here are ideas from our winners

How to Attract and Keep the Best People

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:31:00 EDT

Founder Reed Hastings keeps the troops motivated with hefty compensation and luxe perks, including lots of time off

How to Launch a Wellness Program

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:31:00 EDT

Thomas B. Gilliam, co-author of Move It. Lose It. Live Healthy: Achieve a Healthier Workplace One Employee at a Time, shares five tips.

Six Reasons to Run From a Job Interview

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:54:00 EDT

When a prospective employer makes unreasonable demands on you before things start to get serious, it's a strong signal to hit the road

Self-Assessment: Tell It Like It Is

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:04:00 EDT

The benefits of—gasp!—being brutally honest about your strengths and flaws at performance-review time

Do You Hide Your Inner Bruce Wayne?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:32:00 EDT

What masks do you wear at work? What would happen if you dropped them and let people see what's underneath?

Telecommuting: Getting Bosses on Board

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:36:00 EDT

If you want managers to buy in, let them know how your proposal will solve their problems, not yours. And be ready to answer any objections

Job Hunting Tips

Tue, 8 Apr 2008 19:04:00 EDT

Career counselors from NYU's business school recently answered questions about the current job environment. Here's a transcript of the chat

Should Recruiters Pass a Resume Around?

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 16:20:00 EDT

Bear in mind, before getting too put off about recruiters sharing your information, that we live in a social networking world

Out-of-Town Interview Etiquette

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:14:00 EDT

Should interviewees assume all their time belongs to the company they're traveling to talk with?

Job Hunting Tips

Tue, 8 Apr 2008 19:04:00 EDT

Career counselors from NYU's business school recently answered questions about the current job environment. Here's a transcript of the chat

In Interviews, Honesty Is the Best Policy

Tue, 6 May 2008 13:53:00 EDT

Job hunting is a cutthroat business, especially these days when work is scarce. But it still pays to stick to your ethical principles

The Best Places to Launch a Career: 2007

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:12:00 EDT

Number-crunchers, take heart: Our ranking of top companies for young people finds that an accounting talent shortage has made bean-counting sexy

Preparing for a Tough Job Interview

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:39:00 EDT

To ace your next one, try some of the same preparation techniques used by police officers competing for highly competitive promotions

How to Write an E-Mail Cover Letter

Mon, 4 Dec 2006 12:31:00 EDT

More and more employers are asking job applicants to reply by e-mail. Here's how to make the best first impression

Watch for Interview Warning Signs

Fri, 7 Sep 2007 10:46:00 EDT

Hindsight may be better than 20/20, but if you pay attention during an interview, you might be able to head off a bad fit

Make-or-Break Interview Mistakes

Mon, 6 Feb 2006 17:19:00 EDT

To get on HR's good side, avoid certain behaviors. A major faux pas, and your name gets crossed off that list of potential candidates

The Two-Step Career Change

Tue, 20 May 2008 23:56:00 EDT

Changing careers in midlife can be daunting, but the gap between Career A and Career B might not be as wide as it first seems

Ready to Move Up, and Maybe Move On

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:19:00 EDT

With a supportive boss, it's best to be honest. You may even be able to create a plan together that will meet both your needs

Switching To Green-Collar Jobs

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 07:00:00 EDT

A growing number of professionals are taking their talents and moving them to jobs that can help improve the environment

Special Report: Get Your Dream Job

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:28:00 EDT

Everyone want professional fulfillment, but it's not always easy to obtain. Here's advice on how to figure out what your dream job is, how to get it, and what happens when the dream turns into a nightmare

Leaving The Nonprofit Nest

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 10:55:00 EDT

Businesses are wary of hiring from the public sector because the lack of competition fuels a different culture, but the doors aren't closed

Why 'How' Matters More Than Ever

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:52:00 EDT

New columnist Dov Seidman says human connections are key in a hyperconnected world—no matter whether you're a doughnut maker or a doctor

Quiz: How Ethically Intelligent Are You?

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 14:43:00 EDT

Take the family to dinner with the corporate card? Want to ask a colleague out? Hesitant to fire a friend of the family? See the ethical and not so ethical ways to handle these and other workplace situations

Corralling Your Anger

Tue, 8 Apr 2008 17:28:00 EDT

We face situations in every aspect of our lives that can move us to anger. Here are some ways to defuse these tense moments

Mentors Make a Business Better

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:10:00 EDT

Your managers may be your biggest asset. Tap their talents to teach new employees, and they'll learn from their protégés along the way

Show Your Employees You Care

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:06:00 EDT

Your workers' wealth of knowledge may be worth more to your company than a paycheck is to them. Let them know you appreciate them

Getting to Know Gen Why

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:30:00 EDT

An expert talks about how to understand and embrace the "what's in it for me generation" in ways that will make them productive members of your team

How Northwestern Handles Admissions

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:54:00 EDT

Kellogg's Beth Flye explains how the B-school sizes up applicants and talks about who is likely to make the cut

B-Schools Tackle Risk Management

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:02:00 EDT

With the debt market meltdown, the specialty examining exposure to risk is in the spotlight at business programs across the country

Grads Still See a Gender-Based Pay Gap

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:28:00 EDT

Women graduates expect to earn less than their male counterparts, according to a new study, but business majors see a smaller gap

Don't Give Up! Bain Is Still Hiring

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 12:25:00 EDT

Despite an economic downturn, the consulting firm is searching for more MBAs. Here's a look at the type of employee they're hoping to find

When You're Passed Over at Work

Thu, 15 May 2008 15:46:00 EDT

Don't start sending out your résumé yet. Find out why, don't assume the worst, and support the new person

When to Share Your Ambitions

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:43:00 EDT

If you're aiming for the top ranks at work, there's no need to spill the beans to colleagues whose interests may lie elsewhere

Career Lessons from the Candidates

Tue, 4 Mar 2008 14:10:00 EDT

Take cues from the Presidential hopefuls—while avoiding their missteps—and apply them to your own career campaign

Personality and the Perfect Job

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:44:00 EDT

Author Kip Parent talks about how understanding your temperament will lead to more rewarding and successful employment

When a New Job Leads to Resentment

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:46:00 EDT

Any time someone is promoted from within it may ruffle some feathers. You should be able to smooth them by keeping lines of communication open

Get Your Career on the Right Road

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:07:00 EDT

SIRIUS radio personality Maggie Mistal helps you get back on track when a bad decision seems to have derailed your career

10 Tips for Networkers

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 15:20:00 EDT

Predatory networkers have given the art of making connections a bad name. Here are some ways to handle predatory networkers—and avoid being one yourself

Define Yourself—or Others Will

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 11:07:00 EDT

Leaders who don't explain their big decisions can wind up in big trouble

Managing Your Boss

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 12:41:00 EDT

It's not manipulation—it's forging ties based on mutual respect and understanding

Does Your Company Really Need a Headhunter?

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 10:56:00 EDT

In certain situations, the answer is: You bet. But too many employers overlook internal talent—which forces their best performers to flee

Top Management: Interviewing to Win

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:01:00 EDT

Even the most carefully orchestrated executive search assignment can go astray if the top brass fails to impress sought-after leadership candidates

How to Let the Headhunter Do the Job

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:33:00 EDT

Once you're close to getting an offer, having faith in the professional's ability to close the deal will work to your advantage

How to Ace the Headhunter Interview

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:50:00 EDT

Don't try to script your first face-to-face interview. The headhunter wants to see the real you and find out how you handle unexpected challenges

How to Field the Headhunter's Call

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:07:00 EDT

It's smart to give the recruiter a few minutes of your time, even if you're not actively job hunting. You never know when you might be

Recruiters: 'Rusing' Their Way to the Top

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 13:50:00 EDT

Using a legal cousin to the investigative practice of pretexting, headhunters lie about who they are to get through to the boss

Your Audience Will Thank You

Tue, 5 Dec 2006 12:00:00 EDT

Eight dos and don'ts to keep in mind when preparing your next presentation

Viewpoint by Carmine Gallo: The Perfect Pitch

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 13:55:00 EDT

Microsoft and Tellme know the secret of good business communication. The vision behind each company can be stated in 10 words or less

Slide Show: 10 Tips for Bagging that Raise

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:53:00 EDT

Preparation and flexibility are key when you decide to ask your boss for more money and bennies

PowerPoint Play

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 20:14:00 EDT

Asking a colleague to help you improve your skills isn't a sign of weakness—and doesn't give her power over you

Mentors Make a Business Better

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:10:00 EDT

Your managers may be your biggest asset. Tap their talents to teach new employees, and they'll learn from their protégés along the way

How to Get the Best Out of Mentoring

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 18:31:00 EDT

The lack of conflict and the resulting confidentiality allow for candor and growth

Board Governance 101: Lessons from Alcatel-Lucent

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:48:00 EDT

Nine thorny questions to ask about a company in trouble, on everything from oversight to CEO succession

Why CFOs Get Clawed in the Bear Market

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EDT

Everything from insensitive boards to personal liability for financial reports is making CFOs more apt to quit their jobs

When Your Company Outgrows Its Board

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:02:00 EDT

The needs of an expanded organization differ from those of a startup. New CEOs often bristle at boards that micromanage rather than govern

Fraud's Red Flags

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:39:00 EDT

Ten signs your company may be fostering a corporate culture conducive to wrongdoing

Governing in a Recession

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 10:44:00 EDT

Boards today have specially tough decisions to make. Here are some tips for revisiting your corporate strategy in light of current threats

Inside China's Boardrooms

Thu, 5 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EDT

Although most are still majority-owned by the government, many mainland companies have gone public recently and corporate governance is a hot topic

Directors: Remember the Basics

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:21:00 EDT

In a down market, directors must maintain focus on the fundamentals: state of the business, management, and company liquidity

To Compete, Boards Have to Go Global

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:42:00 EDT

Egon Zehnder's George Davis points out how crucial it is to turn your board of directors international—and how few companies have done so

Governance: The View from Both Sides

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:42:00 EDT

CEO and seasoned board member Maggie Wilderotter discusses innovative ideas for succession planning with columnist Beverly Behan

Boards Should Scrutinize Political Spending

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 13:54:00 EDT

Meaningful and effective oversight by directors of company contributions can help avoid investigations, fines, and indictments

Corporate Governance in China and India

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EDT

Indian companies with global ambitions are better governed than their Chinese counterparts, a Harvard professor says. But in competition, it may not matter

Proxy Access: On to the Next Battle

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:13:00 EDT

Investor groups are still fighting for input on board ballots

Boards Behaving Badly

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:18:00 EDT

A look at different types of problem directors, and how to deal with them before they disrupt the entire governance process and infect the whole board

Board Talent Getting Scarcer

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:19:00 EDT

As pressures mount on CEOs they're serving on fewer outside boards, making seasoned directors harder to come by

The Problems with Boards

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:21:00 EDT

Boardroom Consultants' Roger Kenny talks about dysfunctional directors, the role of third parties, and what today's companies need

What If Someone Hires Your CEO?

Thu, 3 Apr 2008 22:03:00 EDT

That's what happened when Merrill Lynch lured CEO John Thain away from NYSE Euronext. A member of the board offers some lessons in emergency succession planning

Succession Planning: A Board Imperative

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:47:00 EDT

Directors should have knowledge of their own leaders as well as outside talent to ensure a smooth changeover, advise Spencer Stuart's Dayton Ogden and John Wood

When Should CEOs Be Fired?

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:47:00 EDT

There's a difference between good chief executives who have made mistakes and ones who are unable to lead

Emergency CEO Succession Planning

Thu, 7 Feb 2008 13:14:00 EDT

It's important for boards to discuss not only who will take over in an emergency but to examine their criteria for this important choice

The Indispensable Succession Plan

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:17:00 EDT

Boards shouldn't wait until they have a crisis to deal with who's up next. The issue must always be top of mind—and top of agenda

McCormick's Successful Succession Plan

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:51:00 EDT

Robert Lawless made succession planning an integral part of his job before turning over the CEO reins to Alan Wilson. Here's how he did it

An Embarrassment of Succession Fiascoes

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:21:00 EDT

The main cause of the messes at Citigroup and Merrill Lynch is their boards' failures to develop authentic leaders and succession plans

Smoothing Out Succession

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:52:00 EDT

In the wake of CEO ousting at Citi and Merrill, a BusinessWeek.com columnist talks with Theodore Dysart about lining up the right successor

The Succession Opportunity

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:17:00 EDT

Don't dread the time to pick a successor. It can be a wonderful opportunity

The Succession Timetable

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:19:00 EDT

If the head of the family business is keeping plans quiet, there's probably a good reason

The Changing Board

Tue, 6 Nov 2007 12:21:00 EDT

Corporate directors expert Ken Daly says as businesses change, boards need the "right people who look at the right issues with the right information"

How to Get on a Board

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 11:53:00 EDT

It's neither as simple nor as difficult as people may think. Following this practical advice can increase your chances of being able to serve on a board

Video: How to Get on a Board

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 15:50:00 EDT

Getting a seat on a board of directors is neither as easy nor as complicated as it looks. Once you're on a board, you're likely to be asked to join others.

How to Decide on a Board Seat Offer

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 22:49:00 EDT

Before you sit in that boardroom chair, do your homework, then compare it with company-issued info and what comes out of talks with VIPs

What New Directors Need to Learn

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 14:24:00 EDT

You've gotten the offer to join a board, you've done your homework and said yes. Now here's what you need to do before your first meeting