Liking the idea of being a director is an insufficient reason to become one. The qualities and experience required of an effective director differ from those of an effective manager or executive. A Non Executive Directorship (NED) is a role which requires a particular blend of technical and behavioral competencies. It is not a job for everyone.

This question in the title is one that I am asked most often by aspiring and even experienced board directors. However, I think that this is…