CAREER PATHS TO THE BOARDROOM

Why are some people more successful at obtaining and retaining boardroom appointments than others? What are the career paths that will lead today′s managers into the boardrooms of the 21st century? These and other questions have been tackled in a series of organisational and competency surveys which Adaptation Ltd., has undertaken. In the surveys over 500 individuals, holding the job titles of either chairman, director or chief executive, were asked to give their views on such issues as the future development of their organisations, the qualities that distinguish direction from management, qualities sought in directors, and criteria used when selecting board members. From the survey results, a number of lessons can be drawn for the aspiring director. For instance, aspiring directors should think through the distinction between direction and management, and must not confuse steps up the management ′grades′ with the acquisition of directorial skills and competences.