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TBEF is a voluntary organization of senior executives dedicated to the professional advancement of its membership. As such, membership is limited to those individuals who can both benefit and contribute to that goal. We have found that the best fit occurs when all members share some common framework regarding their background and their level. For example, senior managers and junior directors, although they may be considered executives at some organizations, generally are too junior to contribute and benefit. Rather than rely on titles, per se, decisions abrout TBEF membership are based on the ability of the individual to contribute to and benefit from interaction with other members at the VP and C-level. Even though not all members are currently serving at those levels, they all possess demonstrated potential to advance to those levels. There are no absolute rules regarding membership, but here are a few guidelines: - Titles are not always indicative of level. An "Executive Director" or "Vice President" for one organization may be significantly junior to a "Director" at another.
- Span of control and resposnibility are bettter indicators of executive status that titles or even compensation.
- A demonstrated history of making significant change across a broad spectrum of organizational environments is usually required.
- Potential is a vitral ingredient to TBEF membership. A member must be able to contribute as well as benefit.
Perhaps the single most important -- and the most subjective -- element of consideration for membership is Executive Presence. Often defined as the the ability to influence under any circumstance, it includes: - Candor: Integrity with honesty -- the willingness and skill to constructively tell it like it is.
- Mental and Moral Courage: The capacity to know what is right and the willingness to do it regradless of personal cost.
- Communication: The ability to tell your story in an intuitively clear, succinct, and compelling way.
- Open Mind: The act of avoiding prejudging -- willingness to consider other points of view.
- Analytical: Demonstrating that you have throught through the issue before making a constructive, contributory response.
- Passion: Expressing commitment, dedication, and motivation that shows people you really believe in yourself and what you do.
- Poise: The entire executive demeanor, including a projection of sophistication. You convey a thoroughness grounded in your background, your education, your experience, and your ability to get the job done.
- Consideration: Demonstrating a genuine concern for those you encounter beyond what they may be able to contribute to you.
- Assurance: The air of self-confidence that demonstrates to others that you have the required skills, strength of purpose, and resolve. Not Arrogance!
- Sincerity: Believing in and meaning what you say, and the ability to have others consider your points of view even when they may disagree.
Whether or not you have executive presence depends entirely on how you engage with others and what you accomplish during those engagements. Ultimately, this is a subjective call, but if you have that presence, or if it can be readily developed, then you are probably a good candidate for TBEF membership.
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