Are You Non-Executive Director Material?
Non-Executive and Chair positions offer excellent professional development opportunities and can be highly fulfilling. That said, they aren’t for everyone. And it’s not just about being the highest calibre person either – some of the best Executives don’t transition well into becoming Non-Executive Directors. Non-Exec Director roles are also much more competitive than ever, and even outstanding candidates, with impressive Executive careers under their belts, can sometimes struggle to get placed as Non-Execs.
At Moon Executive Search, we’ve matched many candidates with NED positions in some of the biggest and best-known companies both nationally and internationally – we know better than anyone what makes a great Non-Exec. But we are not going to tell you that if you have X number of years’ experience then you’ll walk into an NED role – it’s never that clear cut. Having industry knowledge is a minimum requirement. Companies will only see you as a valuable NED if you offer them something different. Something that helps them think outside the box. The missing ingredient in their board.
Here are our top things you should be thinking about on the road to becoming a Non-Executive Director:
The Route to Non-Executive Directorship
Often the transition between Executive and Non-Exec is stepping out as a thought leader in your sphere. There are lots of things you can do to prove yourself in that light, for example writing articles or delivering talks. Another thing we always look for in NED candidates is relevant committee or professional body membership.
If you’re struggling to highlight your USP, a new perspective is usually helpful. The fresh eyes of a mentor can help you identify and sell your strengths. At this point in your career, you may feel you have a good idea of what your strengths are, but you should adjust the way you convey them to fit each opportunity. NEDs are typically appointed for a fixed term, so, if there’s an outgoing NED, an Executive Search firm like Moon Executive Search can help you understand who has left, why the company is hiring, and if they’re looking for a specific change of tack with board selection. Observe the board dynamics already in place – prime yourself to be that missing piece of the puzzle.
It may also be an idea to investigate unpaid roles like Governors or charity Trustees as a steppingstone. These positions provide relevant experience and demonstrate a real passion for governance. Get started by exploring current charity vacancies with Moon Executive Search.
Connecting with a leading Executive Search firm like Moon is invaluable. Firstly, because many NED roles are not advertised, so you simply won’t learn about them without an intermediary. Secondly, we have an intimate understanding of our clients, conducting a deep dive into company culture as part of every search. We also pride ourselves on our network of candidates, and our human approach to understanding them as people means that when we place an NED that we feel is perfect to bolster the company, 99% of the time the individual flourishes on a personal level too.
What is your USP?
The question you should be asking yourself is: what can I offer that no one else can? Sometimes clients approach us seeking very specific sector knowledge, so if you have a rare blend of experiences, you may match up perfectly with what they’re looking for. However, more often, the skillset criteria we receive for NEDs is extremely diverse, and clients don’t know what that missing ingredient is until they find you. So, it’s vital you stand out from the crowd. What companies are looking for is strength in diversity, and what you need to prove is that you add something new to the conversation.
Soft Skills
Even once you’ve established that you offer a fresh, valuable perspective on paper, it takes a particular type of person to be an NED. Being an independent thinker is your biggest asset – your role is to challenge the status-quo – but that can put strain on relationships with Executives involved in the day-to-day operations of the business. So, it’s important you distinguish yourself as someone who’ll offer valuable oversight, with the soft skills to push for change in a tactful, constructive way. You may need to be conscious of preconceptions around your past experiences – how can you build your personal brand to complement or counteract these preconceptions?
Speak to us and feature on our database of NED candidates: Build Your Board
Looking for an NED? Contact us and find out how we can help.