Significance Of Boardroom Chemistry
By Aparna Sharma
Certified Corporate Director
We’re seeing a shift in how board members interact — and not always for the better. With board meetings only happening four to six times a year and many Directors joining virtually, it’s no wonder that meaningful face-to-face connection is starting to dwindle. That, in turn, can seriously impact the chemistry in the boardroom.
Personality traits have a close bearing on how we work together, challenge each other, and make collective decisions. Deloitte’s Center for Board Effectiveness has taken a closer look at this. They have tried to understand the personalities around the board table that can lead to more effective governance. Their tool, called Business Chemistry, helps decode how people tick — using data and behavioural science to do it. It’s already being used around the world to build stronger teams, improve customer engagement, and make leaders more effective in how they work with others. What’s interesting is how clearly this model applies to Boards. According to Deloitte’s research, most Directors tend to fall into one of four ‘Business Chemistry’ types:
1. Pioneers: people who value possibilities and see the big picture. They are spontaneous and adaptable.
2. Guardians: people who value stability and bring rigour and order. They are practical and detail-orientated.
3. Drivers: people who value challenges. They tend to be more technical and logical and ask the hard questions.
4. Integrators: people who value connections. They are the ‘glue’ that holds the boardroom together. They are diplomatic, empathetic and consensus-oriented.
Deloitte makes a strong case that having a healthy mix of Directors on the Board with these chemistry types creates a more balanced, dynamic, and ultimately more effective Board. The right mix of personalities builds strong governance culture, as vibrant connections are built and quality decisions get made. It then becomes the role of the Chair to be the ‘chemistry conductor’ to work with the whole Board and the individual board members to ‘be greater than the sum of its parts’.
Personally, I find this framework really helpful. When I think about the Boards I’m part of, I can immediately see how these different Business Chemistry types show up — and how they contribute (or sometimes clash!). It also offers a new lens to think about diversity — beyond the traditional metrics — and helps identify where there might be gaps.
Practical Tip: You might want to reflect on the mix of personalities on the Boards you’re involved in. Is there a good balance? Are certain types over- or under-represented? A bit of Business Chemistry insight could go a long way toward better conversations — and better outcomes.
