Serving as a non-executive director on the board of any company, large or small, can be both challenging and rewarding. The position carries responsibility, but offers a number of advantages. These include:

• Gaining increased awareness of alternative business models and strategies
• Expanding business knowledge and network of contacts
• Learning from exposure to executives with different skills and methodologies
• Achieving recognition from peer group within a different business sector
• Contributing to another enterprise and supporting entrepreneurs
• Excitement of working with highly motivated executives who are hungry to deliver
• Motivation to introduce new ideas to your own company – assuming you are still on an active career path
• Satisfaction of delivering a business success
• Financial reward
• Flexible working pattern – enhances work-life balance

While maturity and experience is usually a prerequisite of taking on a non-executive directorship, younger executive directors are often encouraged to take on a non-executive role in another company to assist their development in business leadership, resulting in benefits to their executive board.

"As I stand back from the daily turmoil of everyday business, I try to bring some calming perspective to issues, some encouragement and motivation and sometimes a few home truths. Often I am just someone who can listen. Good non-executives are like guardian angels: ever watchful, caring, always supportive and totally committed.
I'm proud of the companies I serve. You need to demonstrate belief and commitment if your contribution is to be respected, your voice heard.
I love being a non-executive director! "

Jim Faulds