Board of Directors Recruiting Is Expanding

Over the past several years Carl J. Taylor, president of Carl J. Taylor & Co. (http://www.carltaylorco.com) has noticed a number of trends are occurring which have a direct impact on a board’s ability to expand and/or replace its members. There are more independent, or outside, directors, especially in publicly held companies. The larger work load and the enhanced visibility of the board have significantly increased the amount of time an individual devotes to his/her board duties.

In particular Taylor has noticed that as this time requirement has grown, experienced board members are reducing the number of boards on which they serve. Many experienced board members are retiring or they are reaching an age where they may not be as effective in a demanding board role.

Taylor adds that as many boards seek new members, they often target similar candidates. Chief executive officers of other companies are sought by boards because of their professional success, their strategic role within their own organization and its board, and their demonstrated ability and willingness to contribute to the success of an organization. Unfortunately, the time requirements of serving as a CEO and as a director on another company’s board limit the number of boards on which these individuals may participate.

This shrinking number of traditional directors has forced companies to expand their horizons as they consider the addition of a new board member. In addition, boards are taking a closer look at the organization they represent and the many constituencies (employees, customers, vendors, stakeholders, communities, etc.) which they serve.

Taylor is noticing that the marketplace is changing, and many boards are realizing they must change with it. As the recent Census confirmed, the U.S. is, and will continue to be, a country with a wide variety of people. All companies and organizations which seek to employ and serve this diverse population must make sure that they understand the various backgrounds, needs, and wants of these people as well as they can.

The most progressive and innovative companies and organizations are pushing for a more diverse workforce to perform executive-level positions and to sit on their boards of directors. The idea has gone from being a practice that is simply the right thing to do or that is required toward a more pragmatic realization that it makes real business sense.

These companies are not making revolutionary disruptions to their boards, but they are adjusting to the evolution in American business which will enable them to continue to lead the success of their organizations.

Carl J. Taylor is President of Carl J. Taylor & Co., an executive search firm with specialized exerperience in board of directors executive search and diversity recruitment. For an in-depth look at the firm’s board of directors and executive recruitment services, please visit http://www.carltaylorco.com or http://www.diversityexecutiverecruiting.com. You may also call Carl’s office at (972) 490-7697.

Contact Information

Carl J. Taylor

President

Carl J. Taylor & Co.

Contact via E-mail