Why Should I Become a Board Member?

Joining a board of directors is a significant step that offers both personal and professional growth opportunities. Whether it’s for a nonprofit organization, a corporate entity, or a community initiative, serving as a board member is a rewarding experience that brings value to both the individual and the organization. There are many reasons why you should build a board career. Listed below are a few that you should consider.

1. Make a Meaningful Impact

We all want to make an impact on the world. Becoming a board member can open avenues for you to deliver that impact. As a board member, you’ll have the opportunity to influence strategic decisions that shape the future of an organization. Your expertise and guidance can help drive innovation, enhance operations, and improve outcomes for stakeholders, whether it’s customers, employees, or the community. If you’re passionate about a cause, joining its board allows you to play a direct role in advancing that mission.

2. Develop Leadership Skills

Leadership development and developing leadership skills are on everyone’s mind. Creating ways to build our leadership skills, is expected from every leader. Serving on a board hones essential leadership skills such as decision-making, strategic thinking, and conflict resolution. You’ll collaborate with diverse individuals, often from various industries, broadening your perspective and enhancing your ability to lead in different environments.

3. Expand Your Professional Network

No man (or woman) is an island. The value of having a strong, relevant network must never be underestimated. Board membership introduces you to influential professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. These connections can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations. Networking at this level can be invaluable for personal career growth and business development.

4. Strengthen Your Industry Knowledge

Participating in board meetings and discussions exposes you to different aspects of an organization, from finance and governance to operations and marketing. This comprehensive exposure deepens your understanding of industry dynamics and organizational management, enhancing your expertise in your field. This will in turn not only make you attractive as an executive but it will attract more boards to you too.

5. Gain a Sense of Fulfillment

We all look for meaning in our lives. Board service offers a unique sense of accomplishment as you contribute to an organization’s success. Knowing that your efforts support a greater purpose – whether improving a company’s performance or furthering a social cause – can be deeply fulfilling.

6. Build a Strong Personal Brand

Being a board member enhances your credibility and positions you as a thought leader in your industry. Your involvement demonstrates commitment, responsibility, and expertise, which can elevate your professional reputation and attract new opportunities.

7. Influence Organizational Culture and Ethics

As a board member, you play a crucial role in shaping the culture, values, and ethical standards of an organization. Your voice can help ensure that the organization operates with integrity, transparency, and social responsibility, fostering a positive work environment and public image. If you care about positively influencing the world, contributing to a board is a great way to do it.

What is Your Why? Will You Become a Board Member?

Becoming a board member is not just about attending meetings; it’s about making a difference, growing as a leader, and gaining valuable insights that you might not get anywhere else. Whether you’re looking to give back, advance your career, or broaden your horizons, board service offers a fulfilling path with numerous benefits. So, if you have the passion, expertise, and commitment, consider taking that next step and becoming a board member.

How can NED Careers Help?

Our online course, Position Yourself for a Board Appointment, is a good place to start. With online lessons that you can go through at your own pace, loads of downloadable resources and bi-weekly live meetings with your course instructor, you are sure to set yourself up for a successful board career. Click here for more information about the course.