5 Characteristics You Must Possess To Land A Corporate Board Seat
How Board Work Differs From Executive Leadership Roles. Many senior leaders aspire to serve on a publicly or privately held corporate board.
It is a great way to leverage your expertise in a new way, grow professionally and make meaningful contributions to respected organizations and forward-thinking companies.
But, moving from hands-on leadership to an oversight role means leveraging your skills and experience differently. I recommend that you master the following 5 Characteristics and apply some serious reflection and preparation into them:
- Commitment
Studies show that directors routinely invest 300 or more hours each year. It is a significant investment that includes time for preparation, attending scheduled meetings, participating in committees—and tackling the unexpected. It is important to have the right motivation, as well as sufficient time and a flexible schedule.
Ask yourself:
– Can I balance board service with my current schedule and priorities?
– What type of company will most value my contributions?
2. Perspective
Leading a business requires operational savvy and financial acumen. Serving on a board means stepping back from day-to-day management and adding value through thought leadership and governance. This distinction is one of the biggest changes in a board role.
Ask yourself:
– How will my functional area of expertise bring value to a board?
– What strengths can I offer in an oversight and governance capacity?
3. Communication
Boards value candor and confidence—but they also expect a collegial environment. They appreciate team players who build relationships and collaborate more than they command. Making that shift can take practice if you are accustomed to having the final say.
Ask yourself:
– How have I successfully shared a vision or motivated others in the past?
– Can I support, challenge and guide through questions and examples—rather than orders or direct action?
4. Value proposition
Board openings attract numerous, highly qualified candidates. Standing out requires more than a resume. Top prospects create specific market messages and a board bio. It is essential to articulate your strengths, expertise and critical thinking more than results from previous roles.
Ask yourself:
– Am I emphasizing strategic activities and thought leadership, rather than operational achievements?
– Am I demonstrating my ability to lead business transformation, challenge conventional wisdom or resolve complex situations?
5. Connections
Cultivating a strong professional network creates a definite advantage. Most board opening are unadvertised, making referrals and word-of-mouth vital to your search. Your network should include C-suite executives, board members, executives on nominating committees and high-ranking individuals from a cross-section of industries.
Ask yourself:
– Do I have a strategy to build my professional network?
– Am I actively meeting with the right people, at the right levels, to identify board opportunities and enhance my candidacy?
If you wish to land a seat at a corporate table, we can help!
We can help you navigate forward and upward toward Board Readiness service as we groom seasoned executives to fully understand the board landscape, effectively evaluate your readiness and market yourself successfully.
It is a collaborative and customized process that positions you for success.
You can reach us at www.abbeyhospitality.com
or contact Chris Abbey directly at 714-767-2357
