Directors as kaumātua

The Institute of Directors has just released their Code of Conduct for Directors, promoting six principles:
  1. Leading by example.
  2. Integrity.
  3. Transparency.
  4. Accountability.
  5. Fairness.
  6. Responsible business.
So far, so good ... although somehow I feel there's something missing.

But what?

Kaumātua are Maori elders, similar to chieftans and other tribal leaders, close to royalty. 'Elders', here, refers to their lived experience and maturity, not simply a person's advanced age. They are wise sages who enjoy high status within their communities being influential and powerful, deserving of and granted respect by society and peers. They are benevolent, familial, protective of the iwi, clan, tribe or nation and unselfish. They preserve, pass-on and further cultural traditions, beliefs and ethical values. As guides, advisors and teachers, they generously share and promote ancient cultural, indigenous or traditional knowledge, while protecting it from inappropriate exploitation. They are dependable and reliable, a regulating and uniting force consistently espousing, promoting and living strong ethical principles. There is a spiritual aspect too with deep-rooted connections to humankind, nature, the planet and the universe as a whole.  They are strong on protocol and deference, combining symbolic ceremonial regalia and activities with artistic flair, communicating through stories, songs, dances and artworks.

The IoD code could be interpreted liberally to cover most of that, maybe with a couple of weaknesses. 

What happened to wisdom? Shouldn't company directors be wise, consistently making sound, beneficial decisions and directions, and yet humble enough to rely on knowledgeable specialists for guidance in particular areas?

Also, I think there's a need for directors to mould the corporate culture appropriately using excellent communications skills - artful story-telling, for example, and powerful motivational speeches. Oh so cunning strategies that lie flat and lifeless on the page/screen are pointless, all too easily disregarded by people with better things to do. Effective communication is a tremendous yet rare skill.

So close IoD, so close, but no cigar.