What if…board members were selected around their WHYs? 

Picture this…

You get a phone call. On the other end is the managing director from a company or an organisation you think very highly of. 

That managing director says to you; Your name came up in one of our discussions, you have what we are looking for, and I was assigned to contact you to offer you a seat on one of our board of directors!  

You thank her for contacting you and say you will be able to give her your answer within the next 48 hours.

As you hang up the phone, your mind starts to evaluate why you should accept this position.

Stop right there!
I want you to hold on to that imagined situation - And be honest with yourself.

As you are pondering over this imaginary situation. Think about what would matter to you accepting this position.

If you would honestly rate WHY you would spend your valuable time and resources being a board member- how would you rate yourself?

On the Scale of 1-5

One means it is your main reason, two the second reason and so forth.

Accepting a board position because it would …

• a) give you access to a fantastic network?

• b) be great to have that on your resume and CV?

• c) you would learn so much from that experience? 

• d) enable you to associate your personal brand with the other brands on the board?

• e) it pays well?

• f) it’s a beautiful opportunity to mentor others

• g) it gives you power/control

• h) would you learn so much from other board members?

• h) be an opportunity to make a difference for all stakeholders, internally and externally?

• i) make actual use of your knowledge, experience and skills? 

Or… would you have a different reason? 
If so, Write down your WHY.

Okay now. Have you rated your top 3 WHYs?

Were your honest answers related to these three reasons; 

• Your resume and CV?  

• A great networking opportunity?  Or the reason that 

• It would be great to associate yourself with other personal brands on the board?

Congratulations, you fit perfectly with the majority of board members!

If so… congratulations - you are like the majority of board members in our world, according to studies. You are the perfect candidate for a board that functions like the boards that functioned in the early 1900s!

The intention needs to be different to make a difference!

The sad news is that - according to the same studies - having these WHYs for being on boards is not valuable for boards that will tackle the challenges in our days. This is not acceptable WHY for organisations that are seriously going to tackle sustainability, climate change, diversity and inclusion or the digital revolution. 

Wanting to make a difference is a whole different WHY!

However, if you answered your WHY to be on the board, is;

• because you want to make a difference,

• you want to learn from others and co-create the change you desire

• you are willing to share your skills, knowledge and experience.

Your time and resources could make a difference in the big and small picture.  Then - congratulations as well.

Courageous leaders who dare to step out of the box are needed!

Moving the needle forward means changing how we’ve always done things. It’s about being aware of the tradition the boards have been following for decades and having the courage to take a different approach to its function and purpose.

It’s about exploring, expanding and hopefully escaping ‘The Board Box’.

Taking the steps necessary to change the habit and tradition that might have been useful once upon a time but most likely will not be using the diversity of skills, talents and experiences from all the board members to make a real difference for all stakeholders.

I know I would be much more willing and excited to spend my time and resources on a board that is making a difference in our world, a positive change, and I could feel that I have something to contribute to that change.

What about you?