An Independent Board Director: tips to get started

An independent director position is unlikely to just be handed to you, nor should it be. Like most things, the harder you work, the luckier you will get. Well, that is partly true. Having helped thousands worldwide launch careers as board directors or maintain their board careers, I know that hard work alone is not enough. It is those who consistently work smart and start the process early that achieve the best results

Here are my easy-to-implement tips you should put into action now to help you get appointed as an independent director, also known as an outside director or non-executive director:

• Tell people,
• Know what you have to offer,
• Manage your expectations,
• Get to know some board recruiters,
• Build the right board networks and connections,
• Have a board resume and cover letter ready,
• Be proactive
• Practice resilience

#1 Tell people you want to be an independent director

This has to be one of the most straightforward but compelling advice I give – tell people you are looking for an independent director role. If people don’t know, they can not help or introduce you to those who can. You never know who they may have in their personal and professional networks that can provide advice or open doors. It is also a way to start building or expanding your board network. A word of warning: be prepared to be asked, “What type of board positions are you looking for?”. This will come from addressing tips #2 & #3.

#2 Know what you have to offer a board

Understanding what it is that you offer a board is essential. You should know and practice your ‘board elevator pitch’. It is essential that Boards produce results for their stakeholders, so you need to be able to assure them that you have what it takes to produce results at the board level. Articulate your corporate successes and strategic achievements, plus the experience you bring. Consider if you have developed networks and relationships during your executive career that boards may be interested in.

Additionally, boards are just as interested in your passion for their organization. Ensure you know why you want to serve on their board; hint: don’t make it about you.

#3 Manage your board career expectations

Many aspiring directors expect their first board role to be well-remunerated. As I am sure you know, these board roles are highly sought after, and the application process is highly competitive. Gaining this type of role can be very challenging without demonstrated experience at the board level. Instead, consider applying for expenses only or voluntary board positions in Not-for-Profit or smaller organizations. These roles can be a terrific launch pad for future more significant or paid directorships.

Consider volunteering for an organization you are passionate about – your local sporting association or a charity you support. Not only will you be contributing to your community, but it will also demonstrate your passion for governance and your willingness to give your time. Many established directors describe their small or unpaid directorships as the most enjoyable part of their board portfolio career.

#4 Get to know board recruiters

Executive recruiters, board recruiters and headhunters are a great source of information and often have access to opportunities you might not be aware of. Once you have identified potential recruiters, working effectively with them is critical. You should maintain frequent, but not annoying, interactions with these firms and their consultants. You want to remain at the forefront of their minds should an appropriate board vacancy become available.

Whether or not dealing with recruiters or recruitment platforms appeals to you, you will inevitably have to at some point. Specialist recruiters tend to handle the most significant independent director positions. In many circumstances, candidates must be listed on recruitment or job-matching platforms to access independent director opportunities.

#5 Build the right connection

In many ways, the appointment process for independent and advisory board roles is not dissimilar to that of any other appointment process. Many find that opportunities are often not advertised, being filled through word of mouth or existing relationships. Therefore, developing connections with the right people is vital and should form the basis of any board search process.

Generally, I advise my clients that 30% of their time should be spent establishing a board network by developing and maintaining these connections. There are numerous methods and tools that can help:

• LinkedIn is the perfect tool for finding, making and maintaining professional connections. Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is current, reflects your board aspirations and will attract recruiters.
• Maintain relationships with colleagues (past or present). Drop them an Email or Inmail (LinkedIn). Don’t forget tip #1 – tell them you want to become an independent board director.
• Make mutually beneficial introductions between your connections.
• Write articles or blog posts if you are an expert in your field.
• Present at conferences or attend conferences and training events.
• Join relevant online groups or communities.

#6 Have your board CV and board cover letter ready

Many people assume that their executive CV is appropriate for board applications. In most cases, it is not and reflects poorly on your commitment to becoming an independent director. In a highly competitive process, not submitting a Board CV is enough justification to get your application culled in round one.

There are several items that you should include in your Board CV:

• A Board Profile– a statement that reflects your board-level success, networks and governance experience
• Your Board Level Experience – including board, committee and advisory panel experience
• Your Executive Experience – include some demonstrable evidence of success
• Your Qualification & Professional Membership – include any Governance qualifications you have completed
• Referees – the names of at least two referees

Every board application must be supported by a board cover letter. This document should separate you from the other applicants by addressing your fit against the selection criteria and expressing your passion for the role and the organization.

#7 Practice resilience to achieve your independent director goals

The journey to securing any independent board position, whether your initial or subsequent role, is often unpredictable and marked by numerous rejections. Even well-experienced board directors encounter rejection for board roles they believe they are well qualified for or experience roadblocks they never anticipated. Many become deflated and give up, whilst others practice resilience and succeed.

The word resilience comes from the Latin term resilire, which means to rebound or bounce back. So, I challenge you to plan ahead and think about how you will bounce back. It starts with accepting that there will be rejection and roadblocks at any stage in the board appointment process. Bouncing back comes from learning from the experience. Ask for feedback, determine if you could have done something differently, and tweak your board appointment plan if necessary.

Need help to get started?

Embarking on the journey to become an independent board director may seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. There is a myriad of resources and strategies that can keep you focused and facilitate success. During my 15+ years of assisting people successfully navigate the board appointment processes, I have developed a package of resources, documents, training and easy-to-implement strategies that cover all stages of the processes. Learn more about how I can assist.

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