Strategically Selecting Outside Activities and Boards to Enhance Your Career

In the previous column I discussed the career imperative of thinking strategically about any outside activities and boards to engage in. Corporate citizenship is one of many ways to build your skills, brand, visibility and network. With so very many worthy organizations that are desperate for your time and talent, you need to define a set of criteria when considering investing your time outside of work.

This second and final column explores how you can investigate an organization under consideration. Another important element, in addition to strategic fit, diversity and passion as discussed in the previous column, is whether or not your opportunity is well defined, and if the board and organization itself is well run. Since I love questions, I have a set to review and challenge you.

Questions to Ask Before You Join A Board from “The Board Book” by Susan F. Shultz

• Is the company clear in its mission? There must be passion to serve its constituencies—and a clarity of purpose. Why are they in business? How will the company move forward?
• Is it an organization whose mission interests you? About which you know something? Can you learn to understand it well enough to accept the responsibility that goes with serving on the board?
• What are the ethics and core values of the organization?
• Is there a board charter? Are there committee charters?
• Where is the board on the strategic continuum? Is it strategic or tactical?
• Why were you asked? How are you expected to contribute?
• Where do you fit on their needs matrix? Are you being pursued for your Rolodex or your expertise?
• What kind of time commitment is involved?
• Does the board evaluate the management team? The board? The directors?
• Are there board procedures?
• How does this organization measure success for itself, and for the board?
• Where will the organization be in ten years?
• What are the toughest issues facing the board now? Any unresolved lawsuits, major events or transactions?
• Ask yourself why do you want to serve? Is it for the prestige? The camaraderie? The networking? The money? The opportunity to make a difference? Does this meet with the board’s expectations?
• Who else is on the board? Why are the directors there?
• What is the board selection process? Is the process healthy? What does the process tell you about the board?
• Is there an orientation process for new board members?

There are an extraordinary number of worthy organizations that desperately want and need your talents. But, as I said earlier, if you aren’t taking care of the business of you – making sure you are valuable in every way possible – you aren’t taking the best care you can of you and any loved ones or family you may have. To paraphrase a Chinese proverb, if we would all sweep the sidewalk in front of our own shops, the world would be clean.

Making the world a better place starts with you, in your home, with your loved ones. One of the ways you serve them is through your work. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to be as valuable as possible. Making strategic and passionate corporate citizenship choices, when thought of in this context, is an imperative.

---