Another "play" to advance your interest in governance

Getting to know you

The first time director may not be well known. To get better known, try 2 approaches. 

• write a bio.
• find a sponsor and a mentor (2 different skill sets-so 2 different people)

Biography

Write a board bio of yourself clearly delineating your expertise and consequent value to a prospective board. Susan Stautberg, referenced in the last blog, and President of PartnerCom Corporation, a New York based company, operates governance boot camps for women who want to be corporate directors. She recommends that aspiring directors describe their analytical and "team" smarts rather than simply listing their work experience. Be prepared for the question:

"Can you be around a table, synthesize a lot of information and ask the right questions?"

Be prepared to describe what you excel at.

Excel

As early as 1997, researchers noted that women who are publicly recognized and have a high profile have attained a greater number of directorships than those women-equally accomplished- but with a lower profile. These researchers recommended that women who seek appointments as directors should develop a conscious strategy to creating a public image. Seek the advice of a PR consultant in developing a profile for career achievements.

Profile

Women might wish to use a range of strategies to increase their profile. These strategies include:

• attracting media coverage
• public speaking
• using talk back and letters to the editor
• developing contacts with journalists
• participating in business and professional forums
• entering public debates

In this way, women will likely build networks and perhaps alliances, that will support their ambitions to become directors. 

Sponsorship and mentorship

Mentors and sponsors..2 different animals (so to speak). And both are important. And, both are people of influence; the former within the organization, the latter within an industry. 

A mentor is typically and older, more experienced and more senior member of the individual's organization who takes the younger, less experienced individual under his/her wing. The mentor serves as a sounding board, a counsellor to and an advocate for the aspiring staff member. A mentor will serve as a coach or trusted advisor on challenges or decisions. 

A sponsor is has significant influence within the targeted sector. (S)he will advocate on the candidate's behalf, for high profile assignments. Placement in these assignments can position the prospective director to be noticed by search firms, Nominating Committees and /or influential directors. 

Don't be shy

Lobbying search firms is a good idea. These firms keep evergreen lists of likely board candidates, kept updated continuously for the time when a corporation asks them to do a search for prospective candidates fitting a certain profile. Proactively approaching search firms with a "bio" describing skill sets and targeting a specific sector, serves notice that a candidate has both the interest and requisite skills to serve as a director. 

The next blog will address how to prepare yourself  while doing good. Volunteering can provide you with expertise as a director.