So You Want to be Involved in the Boardroom?
Anna Robinson
On Monday, 23rd September 2002, in Canberra, the YWCA and ACT Office for Women held a joint symposium called “Women as Decision Makers”. The organisers had over 100 registrants and had to turn away an equivalent number of enquirers. Five speakers told us about their experiences of being on a Board and how they went about being appointed. They addressed five significant areas.
1. How to get on a Board?
Do the Australian Company of Directors Course (see website address below)
people are looking for qualifications – obtain them. Different courses are
available but they all cost several thousands of dollars – be prepared
get some experience – try to get onto some not-for-profit Boards as volunteers or observers – learn to talk the talk
network, network and network – make yourself known and that you are interested in being on a Board
investigate and research
develop a value statement – work out what value you could bring to a Board and tell it; incorporate this into your Career Plan and apply the same attitude and mechanisms to achieve your goals
register with as many organisations as possible (Office of Status of Women; State Women’s Organisations). Contact the ‘headhunters’ – ask the companies you are interested in as to who they use
2. The benefits of being on a Board
Ability to influence decisions and direct
obtaining skills not otherwise
readily available
(management, negotiating, finance, governance; corporate knowledge; policy
development; public speaking; strategic aims)
sometimes payment (fees can be anywhere from $4000 – $25,000 and over)
3. What you can expect from a Board
generally, lively discussion, exchange of ideas, debate; conflicting agendas; challenges, responsible decision making
hard work and giving a lot of time = equivalent of a second job (involves reading reports, minutes, financial statements; doing your homework on issues that you are being expected to bring to the meeting)
male domination (ALL SPEAKERS
MENTIONED THIS AS SOMETHING
THAT MUST BE DEALT WITH)
confidentiality – give and take
ethics
4 Experiences on Government/nongovernmental boards and committees
Good and bad. for example, patronising behaviour; Suggestions and advice not given recognition until taken and presented by another Board Member; straight out abuse in trying to change attitudes to women (eg in the legal area)
almost all are Boards are male dominated and participants experienced the need to adjust to the specific type of culture that goes with the Board (eg law enforcement, navy, law reform, community work; sporting events and marketing) from a traditional point of view
5. Strategies to overcome challenges in being on male-dominated Boards
be strong and reasonable
don’t resort to aggression, defensive or reduced behaviour.
state the obvious in a measured, sensible way; be firm and concentrate on your own strengths
ensure you are heard
learn financials and information technology – the skills are in great demand and most people don’t have them
know your own values – don’t forget them
6. Be careful !
Check insurance cover provisions
Check what your legal responsibilities involve
Check the fine print of the contract
Check the best and worst scenarios for yourself
Do you still want to be on a Board? Excellent! Go forth and be brilliant….