If your career goals include a public company board seat, make the three lists discussed below to keep focused on your goal of becoming a director. This is a quick, easy way to keep your “North Star” priorities. Make time to update them monthly and stay on track.
Win List
This list includes new people you have met who are also on the journey to the boardroom. Maybe you shared coffee or lunch—even a phone call? List their names and what you learned or gained from the conversation. Keep in touch with them periodically to match progress.
Coaching Tree List
On this list keep track of your formal or informal mentors or executive sponsors. This list includes people at all levels who share a common desire to grow and learn and who offer you constructive feedback. Meet with them periodically to elicit their suggestions. Separately, keep track of those you mentor and check in on their progress.
Stakeholder List
Include all the professionals whom you are networking with and the key conversation points. Revisit this list before any meetings or calls and review often to reset priorities.
Life can be busy, but these three simple lists can keep you firmly pointed toward your North Star.
Tracy Houston
Tracy E. Houston, M.A., is the president of Board Resources Services, LLC. She is a refined specialist in board consulting and executive coaching with a heartfelt passion for rethinking performance, teams and the boardroom. Her company, Board Resource Services, LLC, is online at www.eboardmember.com and www.eboardguru.com. You can follow Tracy on Twitter @BoardGuru. Headquartered in the Denver, Colorado area, Tracy is an avid hiker.
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