"The Perfect Storm" is a 2000 movie about an unusually intense weather pattern that catches some commercial fishermen unaware and puts them in mortal danger.

The film's title has evolved into a phrase — the perfect storm to describe a combination of circumstances that create a critical state of affairs. If events are not managed, the confluence can result in significant negative outcomes.

"The Perfect Board" is a book published by Cal Clemons in 2005, and it describes the principles of good governance.

So how do we built the perfect board to weather the perfect storm? In a discussion with association and chamber executive directors, I asked them to describe the perfect board. Their ideal board would include these elements:

Mission The board understands its responsibility for advancing the mission. Nearly every conversation, action and decision should be framed by the mission; if not, then directors should ask, "Why not?"

Visionary Board focus should be on the future, not resting on past accomplishments. "We don't need to brag about our founder's history but to set a vision that produces results," said an executive. Successful programs and results take time, requiring directors to think beyond their term limits.

Role clarity It takes a partnership. A board should respect the distinct roles of governance and management. Directors should avoid micromanagement or doing the committees' work at the board table. Lines of authority are followed on an organizational chart.

Business acumen Board members possess skills in their own work settings, for instance project management, fundraising and promotion. Directors should use their business knowledge to benefit the organization.

Innovation "We don't need a board that just brings problems to the meeting without a serious intent to develop solutions." Directors should be innovative, making best use of resources and application of new technologies to respond to the pressing needs of members.

Disciplined Board service requires focus. There will be distractions and temptations to talk "shop" rather than working the meeting agenda. "We need fewer good ideas and more attention to producing results."

Deliberate Achievements don't happen by accident. Actions of the board should be deliberate. When goals are set, there are steps, decisions and performance that should be handled intentionally.

Right people Having the right people on the bus is credited to the book, "Good to Great." An executive said, "The board table is not the place to position people who are not committed, have no time or interest in serving."

Right size Most state corporate laws require a board to be composed of a minimum of one to three persons. Many boards have grown to 30 or even 100 directors. While there is little correlation between board size and good governance, the IRS suggests that the size should allow for meaningful conversations at meetings.

Orientation Knowledge transfer to volunteer leaders is key. Directors should join a board seeking information and how to best fulfill their roles. "It is not about leaving their imprint or legacy," an executive offered. A good orientation and leadership manual boosts performance.

Meetings The purpose of a duly-called meeting is to conduct business, perform oversight and to advance a plan. "Our directors think it's a lunch social hour." Another executive said, "They meet monthly, whether or not there is a reason; it is wearing out the staff."

Respect Directors should be respectful of people and ideas. "We have plenty of good ol' boys on board, but we tiptoe around the reasons we have no minorities, LGBT or the youngest members at the table."

There are multiple elements to the perfect board. From this list one can see much of it is culture and understanding, coupled with structure and practices. If any element is missing or askew, the results are diminished. Every executive expressed a desire to sustain a high-performing board of directors.