How long will it take to get an independent board seat?

I am continually asked – how long will it take me to get on a board as an independent director? As you can imagine, this question is near impossible to answer. There are many variables to consider, and everyone’s pathway to their first and subsequent independent board seats will differ. A board seat will not just fall in your lap. It is also improbable to happen due to just one application or conversation. I can confidently say that a persistent and focused approach pays off. 

For many, the process of searching for an independent board seat is challenging and time-consuming. Others find that maintaining the effort and ongoing enthusiasm required becomes unsustainable. Many become disgruntled, stalling their potential appointment for months or even forever. I advise people to make an honest and meticulous commitment of one year to the process of finding their first independent board seat. Often you will get a result much earlier.

Is “how long will it take to get an independent board seat” the right question to ask?

My answer is unsubtly, yes! It is a bit like asking yourself how long is a piece of string. There are more practical questions you should be asking yourself, like:

• • Which organizations are likely to appoint me?
  • Why would they appoint me as an independent director?
  • What do I have to offer at board-level?
  • How much effort am I willing to dedicate to the process?

3 Pillars to gaining an Independent Board Seat

Having put people on boards for more than 15 years now and spoken to thousands of successful directors, it became clear to me that three things make the journey quicker and more successful.

These 3 pillars are ASPIRATION, ARTICULATION & APPLICATION. If you are not successful in gaining an independent board seat within 12 months, you are likely doing at least one of three things wrong.

Aspiration: Defining realistic board targets

Defining what sort of organization you want to be appointed to is an obvious first step. While this may sound easy, most people cannot provide an answer when asked the question, “what board do you want to sit on”, cannot provide an answer. They have no defined board aspirations. Alternatively, they give a generic or vague answer covering many different business types and industries. These responses result in them being labelled as poorly organized, opportunistic, and risky. Even worse, they are easily forgettable. None of the outcomes you want when conversing with those who may be able to open the right doors for you.

The second step of the aspiration pilar is ensuring that your defined board aspirations are clearly realistic and achievable. For example, you are unlikely to be appointed as an independent board director of Amazon without extensive experience in senior executive roles, governance and boards, and retail or logistics.

Articulation: Why you should be appointed to an independent board seat

Everyone is likely to have several reasons why they want to gain an independent board seat. Be aware that some of those reasons may support your selection, whilst others may hinder your chances in the eyes of relevant stakeholders. The first aspect of articulation is knowing which reasons align with the stakeholders’ motivations and being able to express them.

The second aspect of articulating is being able to express your value at board-level. You must consider what organizations want from successful board candidates and then be able to address what you have to offer clearly. You need to be able to do this formally, informally, verbally, and on paper. These statements can then be incorporated into your board profile and pitch.

I strongly recommend writing your Board CV as a place to start. The process of drafting one will help you think through what value you can add at board-level. You can work this into your formal board profile and informal board pitch.

Application: How to get appointed

The key to the Application pillar is perseverance. Like many things, the harder you work, the luckier you will get. However, working clever is as vital as working hard. You need to know where best to devote your efforts. That means acknowledging the four ways board appointments are made:

1. Through personal connections;
2. By directly approaching an organization;
3. Via a Recruiter;
4. Responding to an advertised board opportunity.

Each of these approaches requires different strategies, formal and informal, with appointments via recruiters and traditional advertisements being the most competitive. 

So how long will it take for you to be appointed?

Well, that depends. You need to clarify which sort of organization you want and can be appointed to? Be able to articulate what you can offer a board? Be willing to put in the time and effort? If you can answer ‘yes’ to each of these questions, you should expect an independent board seat within 12 months. 

Defining your target organizations is a complex process and, if not done satisfactorily, will impact everything moving forward. Articulating your board profile and pitch is challenging. Applying yourself to the various pathways to an independent board seat requires aptitude and perseverance. During the extensive training incorporated in my Board Appointment Program, I will take you through all of these elements step-by-step.