It's a popular pastime - taking on lots of non-executive directorships when you retire from a high profile post in either the private or public sector. However, wannabe non-execs should take note of words of wisdom from Gerry Robinson, chief executive of Granada, the television-to-hotels group.

In an interview last week he said he was going to retire to Donegal (where he was born) in four years. Although only 52, he has no plans to follow the former chief executive route to other people's boardroom tables.

"I would hate being a non-executive director," he said. "Nobody listens to you. You sit on the sidelines."

So now you know what the role involves. No wonder you were afraid to ask . . .