Executive Advisory is sought after, Chicago-based research and recruiting firm that has been helping professionals land board positions for two decades. In the following article, Executive Advisory covers the top strategies for seeking, and being granted, a seat at these exclusive tables. Ambition is a marvelous trait to have. However, in today’s world, it is not exactly a rare one. The competition for savvy employees can be fierce even at the highest levels of business. According to Executive Advisory, board directors are often paid at an impressive rate in addition to a package that totals out to an average of $1 million annuity over the time span of 8 years. These benefits can be accessed by gaining a seat on the board through nurturing a network, demonstrating one’s value, and gaining related experience. In this article, Executive Advisory reviews tried and true strategies for unlocking board room opportunities. By the conclusion, any corporate professional seeking a board seat and all the advantages that come with it will find themselves with a plan to put them one step ahead of the competition.

Executive Advisory on Finding the Right Opportunities

Executive Advisory says that competition invites opportunity to prove oneself. However, that does not mean an executive, even at the top of their game, will always know exactly where to start. Every company and every board of executives is different and often comes with its own culture and expectations. It can be nothing short of overwhelming to try and understand how to get one’s foot in that door. Executive Advisory has prepared four detailed strategies to ensure success in any individual’s journey toward joining a board and having a seat at that advantageous table.

Gain Experience

Experience is absolutely the best teacher. It may sound like a strange way to gain a seat on the board is to gain a seat on a different panel first. However, there are many different types of boards a professional can find a seat on, and some are easier to achieve than others. That being said, easier does not mean less valuable in terms of experience. Being rewarded a seat of a non-profit board, a private corporate board, or even a large-cap public corporate board can boost a businessperson’s chances of landing a spot on the primary board of their choosing. This will enable other board members and network associates to recognize that the individual already possesses a certain level of expertise and understanding regarding the tasks at hand. However, Executive Advisory explains that it also builds the prospective board member’s understanding of where they will serve best and where their strengths lie.

Show Personal Value

Executive Advisory says that no matter what phase of one’s career they are in, it is important to demonstrate what an individual can bring to the table of the board. The focus should be on making sure others in the network see what a potential board member can do to aid the overall goals of the organization. This can be done by showcasing how well an executive can converse strategically at the policymaking level. This person will need to demonstrate many skills such as engagement, being unafraid to challenge others’ processes, and active listening.

Be Unafraid to Self-Advocate

Finally, Executive Advisory says to be bold in self-advocation. A professional who wants a seat on a board should not be afraid to say so at every available opportunity. Pair this declaration with confident reasons why one would be a good fit for the board.

In Conclusion

Unlocking boardroom opportunities is difficult with the high number of benefits that come with the seat and the fierce competition that creates. However, this does not make the task impossible. With the correct strategies, we’ve proven that any executive can earn a seat on the board of their choosing. Executive Advisory notes that the first strategy we covered was gaining experience, offering to join and build one’s own exposure to boards of all kinds. This will not only increase one’s experience listed on paper for consideration, but it will also help one to understand the responsibilities that show off what a board is looking for. This way, showing off one’s personal value and advocating for a seat on the board will be all the easier to focus on. As a business professional creates a network, the people within it will have a clear idea of what that person brings to the table and why they deserve to be there. All in all, gaining a seat on the board is not only possible, but an opportunity one can create for oneself!