How to Create and Utilize a Personal Board of Directors

A Personal Board of Directors is a powerful instrument in any professional's career development arsenal. Unlike a corporate board that oversees the management of a company, a personal board is a group of individuals you have personally selected to provide advice, guidance, and feedback on your career journey. These mentors and confidants act as a sounding board for your ideas, a source of diverse perspectives, and can provide the critical insights necessary to navigate the complex waters of career advancement.

Why You Need a Personal Board of Directors

Expanding Your Viewpoint

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing job market, having a diverse array of opinions and experiences to draw from is invaluable. A personal board of directors can provide you with perspectives outside your immediate work environment, which is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Navigating Career Challenges

Whether you're dealing with a difficult decision, seeking to change industries, or aiming for a promotion, having a group of trusted advisors can help navigate these challenges more effectively. Members of your personal board can draw from their own experiences to offer actionable advice.

Accountability and Support

Your board members can help you to set ambitious goals and hold you accountable to them, providing both the motivation and feedback necessary to stay on track.

Building Your Personal Board of Directors

Identify the Roles

Start by considering the different areas of expertise and insight you need. Roles might include a career mentor, an industry expert, an entrepreneurial guide, or a life coach. Having members with diverse professional backgrounds offers a comprehensive support system.

Choose the Right People

Select individuals who will be honest with you, push you to grow, and provide different perspectives. Look for people who are accomplished in areas you aspire to excel in, and who embody the values and behaviors you respect.

Diversity is Key

In assembling your board, aim for diversity in terms of age, gender, experience, and industry. This wide range of viewpoints can lead to more creative solutions and help you avoid blind spots in your decision-making process.

Formalize the Relationship

While this board is informal compared to a corporate board, setting some formality to these relationships can help to establish expectations. This might include scheduling regular check-ins or creating a mutually agreed-upon set of goals.

Engaging Your Personal Board of Directors

Communicate Clearly and Regularly

Maintaining open lines of communication with your board members is critical. Regular update emails or meetings, whether virtual or face-to-face, keep them informed of your progress and challenges.

Be Open to Feedback

Embrace constructive criticism from your board members. They are there to challenge you and offer fresh perspectives, even if it may not always be what you want to hear.

Take Initiative

Remember, it's your career. Don't wait for board members to bring solutions to you. Come to them with specific issues or questions, and be ready to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Show Gratitude

Always express your appreciation for their time and advice. A simple thank you note, a token of appreciation, or even just acknowledgment of their impact on your decisions goes a long way.

Measure Success and Evolve

Evaluate the effectiveness of your personal board regularly. Are they helping you reach your goals? Is there someone else whose perspective might be beneficial? Don't hesitate to evolve your board as your career grows and changes.

Conclusion

Creating and utilizing a Personal Board of Directors is a strategic step towards proactive career management. It’s a unique way to harness the wisdom and experience of others, helping you to see different angles and avoid common pitfalls. By carefully selecting and engaging with the right group of advisors, you set yourself up for enriched learning, better decision-making, and ultimately, a more successful career trajectory.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Personal Board of Directors?

A Personal Board of Directors is a hand-picked group of individuals who provide advice, guidance, and feedback on your career journey. They act as mentors and confidants, offering diverse perspectives to help you navigate the complexities of career advancement.

2. Why do I Need a Personal Board of Directors?

Having a personal board is essential for expanding your viewpoint, navigating career challenges, and gaining accountability and support. The diverse insights from board members can help you make informed decisions, overcome obstacles, and stay on track with your goals.

3. How do I Build my Personal Board of Directors?

To build your personal board, start by identifying the roles you need and selecting individuals who are honest, accomplished, and diverse in backgrounds. Formalize the relationships with clear expectations and a structured communication plan.

4. How do I Engage with my Personal Board of Directors?

Engage with your board by maintaining regular communication, being open to feedback, taking initiative in seeking advice, showing gratitude for their time, and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the board's contributions to your career.

5. How do I Measure the Success of my Personal Board of Directors?

Measure the success of your board by assessing how well they help you achieve your goals and considering if additional perspectives would be beneficial. It's important to evolve your board as your career progresses to ensure continued support and growth.

Further Resources

For additional insights and guidance on building and leveraging a Personal Board of Directors, here are some recommended resources:

1. Books
   • The Power of Peers: How the Company You Keep Drives Leadership, Growth, and Success by Leon Shapiro and Leo Bottary. This book explores the impact of peer influence in professional growth.
2. Online Articles
   • Harvard Business Review: Why You Need a Personal Board of Directors - A detailed article on the benefits of having a personal board and how to establish one.
3. Podcasts
   • The Mentoring Moments Podcast - Hosted by The Levo League, this podcast delves into mentorship and professional development topics, including the concept of personal boards.
4. Webinars and Workshops
   • Check out professional development organizations like Toastmasters International or Women in Leadership for upcoming webinars and workshops on career advancement strategies.
5. Networking Events
   • Attend industry-specific networking events or conferences to connect with potential board members and expand your professional circle.
6. Online Platforms
   • Websites like LinkedIn and Meetup offer opportunities to join professional groups focused on mentorship and career growth.
7. Career Coaching Services
   • Consider investing in career coaching services to receive personalized guidance on forming and leveraging your personal board.
8. Blogs and Personal Development Websites
   • Follow blogs like The Muse or Forbes Careers for regular articles on career advancement and mentorship best practices.

Remember, continuous learning and networking are essential for maximizing the benefits of your personal board. These resources can provide ongoing support and inspiration as you cultivate a strong advisory network for your professional journey.