When Alain Mootoo first heard about DiverseCity onBoard in 2008, he was inspired to give them a call. An initiative of The Maytree Foundation, DiverseCity onBoard connects candidates from racially and ethnically diverse communities to governance positions on boards, commissions and committees in Toronto’s public and nonprofit sectors. After an interview, some training and a few months’ search, Mootoo landed on the board of Sherbourne Health Centre, a position that has impacted his life and career in significant ways.

For many in the sector — especially those starting out — sitting on boards seems a daunting task. Yet many suggest it can be a mutually beneficial opportunity to give of your time and skills in return for potential career advancement and personal fulfillment. Before making a the leap into the “boardroom”, how do prospective board appointees know what’s at stake, what in it for them — and whether they’re even ready for that step?

What’s in it for you?

“Some people want to give back, they’ve volunteered a lot and want to continue doing that,” says Catherine Winter, DiverseCity onBoard manager, explaining what encourages people to get onto boards in the first place. “Others have reached a point in their career where they have developed a lot of skills and want to push the leadership envelope,” she adds. “They may not be at a place in their workplace where they could break the glass ceiling and get into leadership, strategy, visioning, but they’ve got the skill-set and are ready; they feel they could do it on a board.”

Currently the CFO at Operation Springboard, Mootoo recalls what initially motivated him. He’d been working closely with his own board, given the responsibility for conducting presentations and meetings. “I wanted more exposure to boards, to get a better understanding of that perspective and what was important to them,” he explains. By appreciating the different types of approaches of a board, he was hoping to deliver his messages in a way that resonated.

Board membership also allowed Mootoo to explore his career direction. He had come to realize he wasn’t fulfilling his ultimate professional goals. For one thing, he wanted to connect more with youth. For another, he needed to determine in what capacity and sub-sector he wanted to be involved. Was it programming? The health sector? Mootoo’s experience on the board has proven valuable in that search for perspective. “I’ve been able to connect with a lot more people and form more networks so I have a lot more sounding boards for the things that I’m doing.”

In fact, these sounding boards and connections are a main reason why this “money guy” has decided to return to school part-time in pursuit of a new career direction: psychology. “It was a decision inspired by being on the board,” he affirms. As the board treasurer he was used to delivering the financial message. “But I was also feeling a greater connection to clients, youth, in particular,” he says. “His fellow board members supported Mootoo in the pursuit of his ultimate passion and his appreciation for their encouragement is evident.

Career advancement

Experts also point out that sitting on a board is a great professional booster. Having the experience listed on one’s resume indicates you understand things like governance issues, reporting, decision-making, budget approvals, strategic direction and voting rights, says Mark Swartz, a social progressive career coach and author. Winter concurs, adding board positions also necessitate leadership, negotiation, consensus-building and interpersonal skills. Though you may not agree on everything in the boardroom, everyone leaves the room at a place of understanding, she says. “And you don’t necessarily get that from your workplace.”

You may also leave with a stack of references and people vouching for you, adds Swartz. “From a career networking standpoint, it makes sense.” The experience at Sherbourne has even allowed Mootoo to find his own leadership coach, accessed through the board networks. But that’s not all. There was something more personal at stake too. An immigrant to Canada and a gay male who has experienced personal trauma in his life, social interaction has proven to be personally challenging for Mootoo. “Being on the board has been very helpful in terms of developing my skill-set and interacting with people on different levels.”

So how does one find out about board opportunities? DiverseCity onBoard is one place to look. Altruvest’s BoardMatch progam, bringing together charities and prospective board members is another. You can also look to organizations that help people find general volunteer positions like Volunteer Manitoba or its national affiliate, Volunteer Canada, offers author and writer, Doreen Pendgracs. “It’s an excellent place to start.”

One size doesn’t fit all

Make sure to always pursue organizations that look to be the right fit. Be clear on what you’re trying to achieve before taking a step, advises Mootoo. “You have to follow your passion,” Pendgracs adds. “Always look for something that fits with your personality, goals and time commitment and seek organizations that you are comfortable with in terms of mission.” And while it’s a good idea to extend yourself and reach outside one’s comfort zone, “don’t go so far beyond it so that you’re less effective and will be inhibited,” she says.

With 25 years’ experience sitting on boards and the author of Before You Say Yes…, you could say Pendgracs knows something about finding the right fit. The first step should be taking on a committee role, she suggests. “You don’t want to step up to the plate and be a board member right off the bat, because you’re not that familiar with the organization.” Besides, once you learn more about the organization you’ve initially chosen, you may see it’s not the perfect fit for you. Walking away as a committee member is much easier to do than as a board member, where one is often obligated to complete a set term.

Research and more research

“I advise people to undertake due diligence, don’t get out there marketing yourself to get on board until you’re ready,” echoes Swartz. Readiness can be gleaned in a number of ways. First, do your research. Get an understanding of the workings of boards in general, their structure, importance, governance etc. Then find out more about the organizations you’re interested in, look at the backgrounds of board members and what everyone brings to the table. Next is primary research. Ask board members about the good, the bad and, yes, even the ugly. “When you do it a few times, you’ll have a much better sense of how your skills and experience can be applied,” he says. You can also identify gaps, where more training, courses or designations may come in handy.

Keep in mind that when boards are recruiting, they typically have specific skills in mind they’re trying to fill, says Pendgracs. They may be looking for someone with a financial background, for example, or who’s well-connected politically or financially. “They tend to segment,” agrees Swartz. So, look for a role that aligns well with your skill-set and experience — be it PR, marketing, operations. “Look inside yourself to see what you can offer,” counsels Pendgracs.

Before Mootoo felt equipped to take his seat, he needed a change in mindset. Thanks to DiverseCity onBoard, he got that. “I don’t think I thought of myself as a board member before; I thought of myself as a community member.” Board membership was something in the distant future. “They [DiverseCity onBoard] made it more tangible for me, he says, explaining he took advantage of the diversity, training and networking sessions. “They allowed me to see opportunities for myself I didn’t envision before.”

Be realistic

Another piece of advice experts all share is to make sure you know the time commitments involved. Depending on the level of maturation of a board, those expectations may differ, offers Winter. A startup, for example, may require a lot more operational assistance, getting your hands dirty, rolling up your proverbial sleeves. “The key is to ask upfront how much time is required,” says Pendgracs. A lot of boards will try to seduce people saying it won’t take much of their time, she adds, but ensure you get honest answers. “Everyone has commitments,” she explains, “you have to make sure you have enough time to do the job well, otherwise don’t do it at all.”

Swartz couldn’t agree more. “Don’t do it unless you can make it work for everybody.” Think before you jump he cautions. If you can’t contribute but you join a board anyway, you may end up a liability, possibly impeding the organization and only undermining your reputation in the process.

Elisa Birnbaum is a freelance journalist, producer and communications consultant living in Toronto. She is also president of Elle Communications and can be reached at: info@ellecommunications.ca.