Ace the board interview: you are smart, successful, and can bring value to a board. But you still have to wow the nominating committee. Here's how you do that.

AuthorCondit, Madeleine
PositionDIRECTOR RECRUITING

WHEN WE STARTED this article, the objective was to present not only our experience but the opinions of a broad spectrum of CEOs and seasoned directors on key factors in being interviewed for a corporate board seat. There are numerous articles on the value of having directors with high-profile resumes. In most instances, the final candidate is the person who has a business acumen that is not based on title or experience but whom the board feels can best perform a fiduciary responsibility to the shareholders. Michelle Collins, a veteran of many boards, brought this view together when she told us, "One of the single most important attributes of an effective board is the ability of all board members to work together productively. That means more than just getting along, but truly respecting each other and their perspectives, as well as the process by which the board undergoes evaluation of important issues."

According to Collins, this is what interviewers are listening for:

* How might this person respond in a crisis situation?

* Will they be calm, rationale, and truly listen to other viewpoints?

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* Will they work toward an executable solution?

* Will they be a leader ... or must they be the leader?

* Can they back off when they are wrong?

* Will they speak up if they are right, even if everyone else has the opposite view?

By the time you are invited to an interview the directors believe you are smart, successful and have the potential to bring value. So, this is your time to create an impression. The board seat is yours to lose. The final decision on the next director often comes down to how the individual's attributes are balanced by other perspectives on the board. As Tupperware Brands Corp. Chairman and CEO Rick Goings says, "I believe that the 'personal connection' more than anything else will seal the deal! This personal connection is largely influenced by coming into the interview setting with warmth, humility and humanity."

Preparation and being yourself are keys to your success. This is not the midterm you can wing; this is the real test. Below are some guidelines to preparing for the interview.

Be Prepared Should Be Your Motto. At the heart of the plan should be a well-developed understanding of the company, its customers, products, and current issues. Much of this can be discovered online through the usual sources, but creative sleuthing is important. This is the time to be sure there is...

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