If you’re serious about developing a successful board portfolio as a full-time board director, one of the first things you should consider is engaging a personal assistant (PA) or virtual assistant (VA). This crucial support can help manage your time, keep you organised, and ensure you’re informed and prepared for each of your board commitments. When juggling multiple appointments, the administrative burden becomes overwhelming, and that’s where having dedicated assistance can make all the difference.
Why a PA or VA is Essential for Board Directors
Once you start taking on multiple board appointments, you’ll quickly find yourself stretched thin. Between rescheduled meetings, ad hoc requests for your time, and keeping on top of board papers, it becomes difficult to manage everything effectively on your own. A personal or virtual assistant can help you stay on track by managing:
- Diary Management: Keeping your schedule organised, ensuring no conflicts between your various appointments, and rescheduling meetings as necessary.
- Board Papers and Information Access: Ensuring you receive the right documents in the correct order and have access to the relevant information before each board meeting.
- Coordinating Communications: Handling email correspondence and managing communications across your portfolio so that you’re always up to date.
- Task and Time Management: Ensuring that tasks are completed in a timely fashion, and you’re consistently informed across all your engagements.
For instance, when I was serving on a not-for-profit board while also sitting on several advisory boards, I found myself extremely busy. Between running my businesses and fulfilling my board commitments, the need for executive assistance was essential. Having help with managing my diary, collecting information, and coordinating communication allowed me to remain professional, on time, and prepared across all my responsibilities.
Why You Shouldn’t Overlook This Support
Unfortunately, many board directors don’t utilise PAs or VAs to their full potential, but they should. Effectively, as a full-time board director, you’re running a business—your business—and to be efficient, professional, and well-prepared, you need support. The cost of these services is often much lower than expected, and when you weigh that against the efficiency and professionalism it brings, it’s clear why this should be a priority.
How to Engage an Assistant Effectively
When hiring a PA or VA, confidentiality is paramount. It’s essential that the person managing your diary, emails, and sensitive board papers operates under a strict confidentiality agreement. Make sure the terms of engagement are watertight and that all information shared is handled securely. That said, with the right systems in place, the level of support an assistant can provide will far outweigh any concerns.
Many successful executives and board members have already recognised the value of a high-calibre second-in-command. These individuals help them operate smoothly across a range of engagements, keeping them organised and professional in all aspects of their portfolio.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to grow a board portfolio and take on multiple appointments, it’s essential to consider what support you’ll need. A personal or virtual assistant can be a game-changer, ensuring you have everything you need to perform effectively in your roles. By managing your diary, coordinating your tasks, and keeping you informed, they’ll help you stay focused on what matters most: delivering value to the boards you serve.