By John L. Ward

• Share personal perspective fully, while assuring the independent directors have dominant “air time”
• Express “informed consent” (as best as possible)
• Represent ownership – values, vision, goals, board evaluation
• Monitor and champion family owners’ values, vision and goals
• Motivate independent directors
• Motivate management, especially CEO
• Support/champion decisions of the board
• Assess confidence in governance system
• Serve as cultural ambassador; be visible (reasonably)
• Provide link with family as needed for owners’ input
• Support reputation of firm with stakeholders