The Importance of Board Work for Leaders

I have always been a proponent of continuous learning for leaders. No matter where you are on the leadership spectrum (new leader/mid-level leader/seasoned leader) you are never finished learning. The day you believe you have it all figured out in the leadership game is the day you start regressing as an effective leader. Though I am retired, I continue to feed my constant hunger to become a better leader.

One of the most effective ways to enhance and improve your leadership acumen is to consider board work. In the security industry, as with other industries, there are ample opportunities to engage at multiple levels, in a variety of boards. The ROI from serving on boards is immeasurable. My own journey on boards may hopefully serve as an example and inspiration for what I am talking about.

I had been the CSO at Microsoft for a few years when I decided to get on a committee at one of the major security organizations in existence. That is usually the entry point for a person’s journey into board work. Though we had created a world-class security program at Microsoft, being on a committee with other CSOs gave me the opportunity to learn from my peers. To see best practices in action and to debate the topics of the day with fellow committee members. This eventually led to a desire to serve on this organization’s board. I had some wonderful mentors and senior security leaders who championed this desire on my part, and I eventually got on the board.

Now what was interesting was the fact that here I was, on a board, with top leaders in our industry. And, I have to admit, initially, I felt a little bit inadequate. But sports fans, this is all part of the leadership journey I always refer to. I had that “impostor’s syndrome.” I doubted myself. Was I good enough to exchange ideas with the top CSOs in the world,? Many had much more experience than I had at the time. Was I up to the task? Yes, these and other questions churned through my mind as I entered the world of the board.

Finding Your Voice

But something happened which was wonderful and enlightening to me. Over a period of time, I became comfortable in my own skin. I learned from these great leaders and brought back best practices to my team at Microsoft. When I spoke, people didn’t look at me like I had three heads. I had a voice. They listened. That is also part of your leadership journey, or it should be. Finding your voice in a sea of security expertise. Debating rigorously, not always agreeing but trying to find common ground to keep improving the organization your board represents. I was continuously learning via my board work. Was it stressful at times? You bet it was. This was something I volunteered for. I didn’t have to engage in board work. I had a day job. We all did on the board. But we did it out of a sense of service and the desire to give back to an industry that we loved.

Eventually, I became president of that organization. Coincidentally, I was also president of another security organization at the same time. Talk about timing.  I can tell you sincerely that this board work journey, over time, made me a much more effective leader. It kept me humble. Though our program at Microsoft was best-in-class, I learned that we didn’t know it all. That other CSOs and their teams were also churning out world-class programs. Programs and best practices we could learn from. Microsoft Global Security became a better organization because of what I learned and brought back to the team from my board work.

What’s more, my leadership team and I encouraged all of our troops to be involved in security organizations, including committee and board work. And many members of our team did just that. It was a wonderful ripple effect of sharing our best practices and bringing the same back to our organization. And they too became better leaders in their own right.

Not Out of the Game Yet

Though I am retired, I still serve on boards. I currently am President of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Board of Directors and serve on several advisory boards. Yes,  being president of any board of directors can be stressful at times. But it reinforces my belief in continuous learning and improvement. Even at age 67, you can still teach an old dog like me, new tricks!

So, my mantra to all of you reading this article is to put yourself out there and engage in board work. Start by volunteering for a committee. Committees are the building blocks of an organization and its board. Then if you are so inclined, throw your hat in the ring to get on a board. Learn from others and grow your leadership acumen. Stay humble and know that no matter how successful you are in your own enterprise, you always have something more to learn.

It sure as heck won’t always be easy. There are the inevitable headaches that will ensue while serving on boards. And if you make it to become President, not everyone will buy what you are selling. But that is okay. The process of debate and fleshing out ideas for the betterment of the organization the board serves is a wonderful crucible for honing your leadership skills. Besides, real leaders embrace adversity. Without adversity, there is no growth as a leader, only stagnation.

There you have it. For me, board involvement is an essential part of your leadership journey. Yes, you can still be an effective leader without engaging in board work. But I argue you will become a greater leader by participating on industry boards. There are a lot of smart people in our security industry.

I am talking to you. You have wonderful ideas for making our industry continue to be innovative and cutting-edge. Your smarts, your ideas, your energy and your passion are needed more than ever. Board work and continuous learning go hand in hand.

And in this process of board work and service, you will make lifelong friends in the security industry. Colleagues and mentors who will serve you well during your time in whatever company and enterprise you work for. This networking from your own board journey is invaluable. I can’t tell you the number of times I reached out to fellow board members while I was a CSO. The knowledge and experience they had helped me through any number of critical situations I faced at Microsoft.

The journey never stops. And neither should you. Put yourself out there. Get on a board. And see how far your leadership journey will take you! Go for it!