How to Build a Board-Ready Reputation in Your 30s was originally published on Ivy Exec.
By your 30s, you’ve probably started gaining momentum in your career. You’ve made big decisions, learned from a few mistakes, and maybe even began mentoring others. But to be board-ready, you must do more than just work hard.
You need to show decision-makers that you can guide their company to the top. You must also earn respect and trust and ensure other professionals believe in your judgment. Let’s explore how to meet such requirements and build a board-ready reputation.
☑ Understand What Boards Look For
Before aiming for a seat, it’s vital to know the qualities a board may need so you can prepare and stand out. Some high-demand skills include:
- Strategic thinking
- Emotional regulation
- Ethical judgment
- Financial literacy
- Clear communication
- Collaborative leadership
Ask your coworkers and mentors to mention your best skills and use their feedback to guide your next steps. If you determine you lack some core skills, start working on them individually. For instance, if you aren’t very financially literate, you could do the following:
- Take a short online course on business finance
- Ask your finance team to help you understand budgeting
- Read beginner-friendly finance books or blogs
- Sit in on a budget planning meeting at your company
You can then look for opportunities to showcase your new skills and build your reputation. For example, suggest a strategic budgeting idea at your next team meeting or explain financial terms to a new hire. You may also write a LinkedIn post about what you learned and how you apply it in your work.
☑ Build Your Personal Brand
A personal brand represents your reputation and is often what people think of you, even when you’re not in the room. Ask yourself how others might describe you at work. Do they see you as someone who solves problems? Do they say you stay calm when things go wrong?
These questions will help you determine the kind of impression you’re making in your workplace. If it’s desirable, you can focus on it and use it to sell yourself. In case it’s not, identify the aspects you’d like to change and work on them to be board-ready.
If you want leaders and coworkers to know you for informed decision-making, use meetings and the projects you lead to showcase your skills.
Besides, if you want them to see you as an expert who builds great teams, ensure you celebrate other people’s achievements and collaborate often. You should also offer support when your coworkers need it.
Your personal brand also applies to your digital footprint. So, you should update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your values and skills. Share stories or lessons you’ve learned that match the qualities you want to be known for. Once you’re consistent, people will associate your name with those positive qualities.
While you may want to build an inspirational and authoritative personal brand, it should also not feel forced. Highlight the best parts of yourself while being authentic to build trust and access better opportunities.
☑ Gain Expertise
Boards don’t expect you to know everything, but you must be excellent in some areas. Choose a few relevant capabilities and become an expert instead of focusing on many skills. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What do I enjoy learning?
- What skills do I have that most people lack?
- Which areas do people often ask for my help with?
- Where have I had the most success at work?
Once you know your strengths, choose two or three areas you want to master. Then, focus your time and energy there by doing the following:
- Reading books
- Listening to podcasts
- Attending workshops
- Taking online courses
You should also follow industry experts and network with them to learn from their experiences. These measures will make you an invaluable asset for your company and an expert other professionals turn to.
☑ Show You Can Handle Power Wisely
You’ll likely start getting more power at work in your 30s. For example, you may become a manager or have the opportunity to lead a big project.
Your boss could also let you lead your team, handle a budget, or make crucial decisions. These duties are signs of trust, and how you handle them may shape your career’s future.
Show you’re board-ready and earn trust by using your power to lift others. Share your knowledge and always stay calm under pressure. Over time, people will start to see you as someone who can lead at even higher levels. Other strategies you can use to show your capability are:
- Lead by example instead of instilling fear
- Be fair when making decisions
- Encourage teamwork and collaboration
- Solve conflict without drama
- Take accountability when you make mistakes
Stressful moments will test your leadership skills and influence how others perceive you. When dealing with tight deadlines and unexpected challenges, stay calm instead of losing patience. Further, avoid making quick decisions that might hurt others, and be kind to your team.
When you stay steady and fair during stressful situations, you’ll earn recognition. Other executives will also trust that you can gracefully handle whatever challenges come your way.
☑ Maintain Your Ethics
One bad decision can destroy the trust and reputation you’ve spent years building, ruining your chances of getting a board seat. Maintain your values and say no to shortcuts that may land you in trouble. If something seems shady or unfair, don’t take the easy way out to get ahead.
Moreover, speak out respectfully if you see something wrong happening at your workplace. While doing so can be hard, it shows you have strong character and care about what’s right.
In the long run, people will notice your values in everyday actions. They’ll also believe they can trust you to do the right things even when no one’s watching.
Become the Leader Boards Need
Your 30s are the perfect time to develop the habits, relationships, and mindset that earn a board seat. Build a good reputation by identifying and developing the skills you’ll need.
Ask for feedback from trusted peers to fine-tune your personal brand. You should also utilize your power correctly to show you can build others and stay ethical even when it’s hard.
With these strategies, you’ll be ready to become a board member and be a top choice when an opportunity arises.
