When talk about recruiting folks to nonprofit boards arises there is often the "whew, that's a tough topic" expression. And for many boards this is indeed a challenge but maybe one of the reasons for the challenge is the failure of those doing the recruiting to consider what reasons folks who might appear as good candidates really want from a board membership. The following advice from Laura Newpoff from the Business Journals offers some insights about how those who might be candidates are being instructed in what should be their thinking.
What are some best practices you've seen that could serve as guideposts for a female executive who wants to be on a corporate board?
An important thing to remember is that professional success doesn’t automatically qualify one for – or put someone on the radar for – a board candidacy. An executive must be a stand-out leader in her professional field, of course, but there are some additional steps to take to move toward a corporate board position:
- Think about fit: Be clear about what kind of boards align with your background, experience and interest.
- Develop your “board résumé:” Create a professional profile that highlights strengths and experience particularly suited to serving on a board. This is different from the typical bio or résumé.
- Educate yourself around board issues: Explore organizations that assist with board readiness. Our BoardNext events, programs and speakers seek to prepare C-suite and high-level executives to be the next generation of board members, for example. Look for these and similar opportunities to become board-ready.
- Serve on nonprofit and smaller boards first: Serving on the boards of nonprofits about which you are passionate and moving into leadership positions – such as chairing a committee – can lay good groundwork for corporate board service, as does serving on smaller private company boards. The key is taking the step and gaining experience.
- Network, network, network: Let people know you are interested, including search firms.