My needs at Enron have changed enormously since 1985, and they are changing today. No doubt, this list says a lot. At the same time, it does not say very much. Nevertheless, these are the qualities we look for in a board member. Like any successful company, we must have directors who start with what is right, who do not have hidden agendas, and who strive to make judgments about what is best for the company, and not about what is best for themselves or some other constituency.
Judgment becomes very complicated in cases of labor and shareholder issues.
Putting it in the terms used by today's popular management consultant Steve Covey, we look first and foremost for principle-centered leaders. That includes principle-centered directors. The second thing we look for are independent and inquiring minds. We are always thinking about the company's business and what we are trying to do. We want board members whose active participation improves the quality of our decisions.