The Shadow ExCom is an unofficial corporate governance body that provides opinions and proposes concrete measures on the company’s strategic issues. It brings together members of the employee collective and works directly with the ExCom Sponsor and CEO. The Shadow ExCom meets regularly, approximately every two months, to discuss strategic topics and proposals for action.
Project Goals
Developing relationships with executive management and sponsors
Involving the employee collective in governance processes
Proposing concrete measures
Providing opinions on strategic issues
Strengthening the influence and visibility of the employee collective
Focus Area
Core Business Transformation & Impact
Employee Collective Development
Workplace & Organisational Development
What gave you the courage to start?
The direct interest of the CEO and the involvement of a Sponsor from the Executive Committee were essential to establishing the Shadow ExCom. The employee collective took the form of a Shadow ExCom from the outset, with the aim of providing opinions and proposals directly to the Sponsor and CEO.
The Outcome
The Shadow ExCom was established with more than 10 members and meets online approximately every two months. It addresses strategic topics including climate, CSR, HR and recruitment, corporate strategy, communications, performance models, and diversity and inclusion. The Shadow ExCom also works on expanding the initiative to new members and internationalising it.
The Impact
The Shadow ExCom provides a direct way for the employee collective to engage with executive management and contribute opinions and proposals on strategic issues.
Various action plans were subsequently carried out directly by management, and working groups were established. The source also notes that without follow-up action, it can be difficult to measure the concrete progress and impact of discussions and proposals made during meetings.
The Biggest Challenge
An important challenge is to ensure free and independent expression while maintaining confidentiality around strategic issues.
Clear agreements with the Sponsor and ExCom contacts are needed regarding access to contextual information, topics, time commitment and follow-up on proposed action plans.
The Biggest Learning
The Shadow ExCom provides a structured way for members of the employee collective to engage directly with executive management on strategic issues. Follow-up on discussions and proposals is important in order to track concrete progress and impact.