The absence of racial and gender diversity on corporate boards is inexcusable. A diverse board will aid companies in reflecting the demographics of their communities and make better decisions. It will also enhance their image. It is crucial that businesses as well as federal policymakers concentrate efforts to create equitable systems that can identify and attract the best talent, and restructure the selection process to improve diversity within American corporations.

Many board diversity discussions revolve around the need tackle a lack of representation of the demographics of the company, however the primary goal should be to identify candidates with a variety of skills, competencies and experiences. Diverse board members bring fresh perspectives to the table and alter the status that is in place. They can also make more innovative decisions that create long-term value.

Using a combination of factors, such as age, education, and professional experiences, you can figure out which categories your board is not or over-represented and target recruitment accordingly. If your board is predominantly comprised of people with degrees in engineering, for example you might want to include a director who has some experience in the marketing field to facilitate a more comprehensive discussion.

Some companies go as far as to announce public statements about their commitment to diversity, which is a great method of holding the management and board to account. You can also conduct an assessment of diversity through your board portal that will identify the areas that you should strengthen your workforce.

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