How to get selected on a board
"...1. Be patient - it takes time to build a good portfolio of boards.
2. Have realistic expectations because winning board seats is a competitive race
3. Accept board roles on companies that operate in industries you like
4. Remember you are building a board career. Board vacancies do not arise seasonally so invitations won't always arrive at the most suitable time
5. Be prepared to look at suggestions. These opportunities might not necessarily be to join a board, but they may place you in the running for other board roles that might crop up
6. Build up a mix of board types and structures - listed, large private, public unlisted, subsidiary of an overseas company, a government board, a not-for-profit organisation
7. Focus on what you can do for others and how you can be useful to an organisations..."
Irene Nativadad as quoted by Ann-Maree Moodie, 2010
. Once appointed to a board it is suggested that one
"...learns quickly by thoroughly preparing for board meetings, attending site visits and studying the industry, and especially the competitive companies......you should do politics with a small 'p': never surprise a CEO and ask a question you didn't raise in a committee......learn how to have allies; share an idea with another director. Don't be the only person carrying water for a specific suggestion that you want to make. Maybe it is not you who raises the question; maybe it's someone else. And when they see you as part of the team, then they will trust you more..."
Irene Nativadad as quoted by Ann-Maree Moodie, 2010
. Networking is an important part of being a board member. Understand the
"...huge value of having colleagues who know you, like you, respect you, understand how you think, know what work and experiences you have had and they will think of you when somebody asks for suggestions for board member..."
Kate Spargo as quoted by Ann-Maree Moodie, 2010
Generally males are better networkers than females.
(sources: Helen Trinca, 2003; Richard Leblanc, 2005; Brad Hatch, 2006b; James D Westphal et al, 2007; John Fast 2008; Patrick Durkin, 2010; Fiona Smith, Wikipedia, 2016d; Patrick Durkin, 2016d; 2010m; Ann-Maree Moodie, 2010)