5 Questions to Ask When Considering Becoming a Public Company Director
1. Should I test the waters first?
If you want feedback on your board goals before jumping in, consider speaking with sitting directors, attorneys, and other professionals who work with boards to get their thoughts.
2. Am I comfortable with the transparency of becoming a public company director?
At a time when most everyone has a Twitter handle and a Facebook page, deleting any unprofessional posts or emotionally stated positions is a must. If needed, hire a company to review your online image and delete, to the extent that is possible, any undesirable information.
3. Is my company making large commitments in the near future that will demand more of my time?
Assuming your employer does not have policies that prohibit you from becoming a director, it is important to consider the time commitment needed to market yourself in a serious manner over a mud-on-the-wall approach.
4. What's my value proposition?
Your value proposition determines your potential for a board seat. Your expertise holds different weight to different people. You need to be clear about what expertise is most important to your board prospects.
5. What are my other options?
At times, a professional can be restricted from serving on a public company board due to employer policies, yet leadership positions may be a desired component of your career trajectory. In this instance it can be beneficial to consider private company, advisory or non-profit board positions or volunteering for unique company projects.
A great resource for director candidates is an ebook: Becoming a Public Company Director (Amazon, Barnes, iBookstore $9.99).
1. Should I test the waters first?
If you want feedback on your board goals before jumping in, consider speaking with sitting directors, attorneys, and other professionals who work with boards to get their thoughts.
2. Am I comfortable with the transparency of becoming a public company director?
At a time when most everyone has a Twitter handle and a Facebook page, deleting any unprofessional posts or emotionally stated positions is a must. If needed, hire a company to review your online image and delete, to the extent that is possible, any undesirable information.
3. Is my company making large commitments in the near future that will demand more of my time?
Assuming your employer does not have policies that prohibit you from becoming a director, it is important to consider the time commitment needed to market yourself in a serious manner over a mud-on-the-wall approach.
4. What's my value proposition?
Your value proposition determines your potential for a board seat. Your expertise holds different weight to different people. You need to be clear about what expertise is most important to your board prospects.
5. What are my other options?
At times, a professional can be restricted from serving on a public company board due to employer policies, yet leadership positions may be a desired component of your career trajectory. In this instance it can be beneficial to consider private company, advisory or non-profit board positions or volunteering for unique company projects.
A great resource for director candidates is an ebook: Becoming a Public Company Director (Amazon, Barnes, iBookstore $9.99).