Do you have a personal board of directors?
Do you have a personal board of directors!
It’s a concept I have come across recently and over the last 6 months and I’ve looked to build one myself to change the trajectory of my life.
But what is a “Personal Board of Directors”?
A personal board of directors is a small group of people that you can turn to for advice, sounding board, mentorship or coaching to help you progress in your profession and in life.
Finding people who can help improve the trajectory of your life and a personal board of directors is one way to do this.
Here are my three tidbits for you to think about when it comes to building your personal board of directors:
1. The Who?
When it comes to having a personal board of directors in your professional sphere you need to be strategic about the “who”. I can’t stress enough the quality of your personal board of directors as they can make an immeasurable difference to your life. The point of having a personal board of directors is to wisdom from people who have both similar and different experiences than you to provide strategic advice on where you want to get to next.
Strive for diversity in background, education, geography, expertise and industry. The more diversity that you have, the better strategic insights you will get from your personal board of directors.
Sometimes people on your personal board of directors might take on more than one role, but the attributes of your personal board of directors should have one or more of the following:
Mentoring – Mentors are individuals who have traversed the path you aspire to and are prepared to provide valuable advice based on their lived personal experiences. They may occupy the position you aim for, possess prior knowledge in your field or an adjacent field. Their primary purpose is to assist you in avoiding obstacles and offer insights on tiny transformations you can take to accomplish your objectives.
Coaching – Coaches are different to mentors; they haven’t necessarily been in your shoes or are not even in your industry. Instead of bringing their own experience to the table like a mentor, they ask the right questions and challenge limiting beliefs to help you get to “a-ha” moments.
Sponsoring – Sponsors possess deep knowledge of your capabilities and have significant influence within your organisation or industry. They can open doors, they are credible and possess influence to advocate for you in various opportunities and promotions. These people will be invested in your growth and they can impart wisdom and give you a nudge when you need it!
2. Make sure the relationship isn’t one-sided
It is important the relationship with each of your personal board of directors is a two-way street. None of your personal board of directors will be expecting something in return, but thinking of ways you can support each of your personal board of directors in what they are trying to achieve is a great way to demonstrate gratitude.
3. Over time re-evaluate your personal board of directors
Over time and as you gain clarity in your profession and life, it is important to annually take stock of who is on your personal board of directors and who else may need to be on the board (or even come off it) as you change or as you progress in your profession.
Thought Provoking Quotes on this week’s topic
Dolly Parton
If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.
Jim Rohn
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.