How to spot a Future Director
Technology’s growing. Society’s shifting. Economies are morphing. The business world and real world are blurring together. With lots of change (but also promise) on the horizon, boards need a new kind of board director fit to tackle it and lead their organisations into a fairer, safer, smarter future.
FDI’s launch of the Future Director Award recognises board directors doing just that. We call them Future Directors, and we think they’re shaping the future. But what makes a Future Director? We’ve put together a list of 6 traits to help you spot them - or see in yourself.
Fit for purpose
A Future Director is fit for purpose. Theirs’ and the world’s. They’re hardwired to see the boardroom as a flashpoint for global change, and will say no to the status quo when apt. They know a board position is a privilege, not a right. And as such, they add value and serve others. Not just themselves.
Eternally curious
Future Directors know that the best directors are students. That is, always learning. Soaking up new info. Where some might just think, they think again - again and again. Changing their mind when extra insight emerges. Seeking out diverse points of view and ‘ungroupthink’. They’re also intellectually honest - admitting when they’re wrong, or when they don’t know enough to form a valuable opinion.
Ethics everything
A Future Director holds a high bar when it comes to ethics, honesty, authenticity and responsibility. They go with their gut, not with the pack - especially when wrongdoing’s afoot or when their view is unpopular. But they’re never holier than thou - coming clean when they fail to meet their own standards or show compassion to others.
Healthy imposters
A healthy dose of imposter syndrome is a friend to Future Directors. It keeps their ego at the door. They understand their strengths, but also their saboteurs. And they’re reflective enough to know how and when to stop self-sabotaging behaviour before it starts.
Two ears, one mouth
A big part of communication is to shut up. This, a Future Director knows. They talk clearly. Incisively. Backed up with evidence not anecdotes. But also, they listen first, speak second. They never dominate but can command a room when need be - or even when not saying a word. ‘Cause people listen to people who listen.
Not an island
Finally, a Future Director is never a solo act. They surround themselves with a sphere of people who help them from 360°. A full circle community. They strive for high performance in themselves and nurse it in others.
Future Directors are bringing big changes to the world, and we want to support them every nanometre of the way.
If you know one (or are one), nominate them to win the Future Director Award and give them the recognition they deserve.