Who Are You? And Yes, We Care!

We’ve written previously about the importance of each board member’s biographical statement on your website and in annual reports to profile your community leadership and connections. What should you include?

In our August, 2021 blog, The Best Way to be Transparent. Three Simple Steps to Take, we noted:

How does a member of your community access your personal profile? That would be you, as a director. Who are you? Why are you there? What do you look like? How do I contact you? As my representative, surely I should know something about you and how to get in touch with any questions or concerns. And, no, you will not be inundated. Sadly, your public just doesn’t care enough – but you still need to be transparent.

Then last November, in Ten Ways to Improve Your Board’s Transparency, #10 was Public Profile:

There should be a photo and brief bio of each board member on the website, together with contact information – and not through the Chief Executive Officer’s office. Who are you? Why are you there? What do you bring to the table? How can I let you know my questions, concerns, kudos?

There is no single template or approach to the board profiles but we would make the case for consistency, including:

• a common format;
• a common length;
• a common “voice” (third person);
• concise and honest

Share this article with your friends and colleagues!

 For the sake of (your) argument, here are some components, in a proposed order:

• Your name
• A professional headshot
• Your current position and any career/community highlights
• Credentials and affiliations, demonstrating your credibility, reputation and network
• Your unique value proposition (skills, demographics, values) -- what you bring to the table if not obvious above
• Any goals or aspirations
• Your community or personal interests/hobbies
• Contact information

All of that should be possible in 150 words.

Take a shot at it! Be transparent about who you are and who is representing your community on your board.

There is no excuse for omission!

What are your main “pain points” dealing with board profiles and transparency?

What advice would be most helpful to you?
And we always assume that you are asking for a friend!

Get in touch. We’ll address your questions and concerns in an upcoming blog post.

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P.S. May I ask a tiny favour? Would you mind sharing this blog with one person? I would love it. You can post the links in your Facebook Groups, LinkedIn or even send an email.