Personal Board of Advisors - it’s worth it!
Imagine having a treasure trove of wisdom at your disposal, where every gem is a unique piece of advice tailored to your personal and professional journey. This is the heart of having a personal board of advisors. Each member is like a guide on your career path, chosen by you for their distinct skills and life experiences. Picture a former boss who navigated the corporate ladder with grace, offering insights into the intricate dance of office politics. Or consider a friend who took the bold step of switching careers mid-life, ready to share the fears and triumphs of such a significant pivot. And then, there's that mentor whose life is a testament to personal growth, ready to help you carve out time for self-improvement amidst a hectic schedule.
Creating (and utilizing) a personal board of advisors is an innovative approach to career development and decision-making that is gaining popularity. For many, this carefully curated group of trusted individuals can offer diverse perspectives, guidance, and support as you navigate through various stages of your life and career. Here’s why having a personal board of advisors is crucial and how it can benefit your professional journey.
The Concept of a Personal Board of Advisors
A personal board of advisors is similar to a council of mentors, each with expertise in different areas relevant to your career and personal growth. This is not a formal board but a network of individuals you can consult for advice, feedback, and insights. When used effectively, this group can provide a wide range of benefits throughout your career, including (but not limited to):
Diverse Perspectives: One of the most valuable benefits of having a personal board is the range of perspectives it brings. Your board might include a former boss, a colleague from a different industry, a friend with entrepreneurial experience, and a family member with wisdom in work-life balance.
Expert Guidance: Each member of your personal board brings their own set of skills and experiences. Whether navigating office politics, making a career pivot, or seeking personal development, you can turn to the person best suited to advise on a particular challenge.
Accountability: Your personal board can serve as a mechanism for accountability. Sharing your goals and aspirations with your advisors can motivate you to take action and follow through on your commitments, knowing they are there to check in and encourage your progress.
Networking Opportunities: Members of your personal board can open doors to new opportunities through their networks. They can introduce you to key contacts, recommend you for positions, or offer insights into different industries or roles you’re interested in exploring.
Emotional Support: Career journeys are often fraught with challenges and setbacks. Your personal board of advisors can offer emotional support and encouragement during tough times, helping you stay resilient and focused on your long-term goals.
How to Build Your Personal Board of Advisors:
Identify the Roles: Consider the areas where you seek guidance and identify potential roles for your advisors, such as industry expert, career mentor, or personal coach.
Choose Wisely: Select individuals who possess the qualities you admire and aspire to emulate. Look for diversity in experience, background, and thought.
Cultivate Relationships: Building a personal board is about cultivating meaningful relationships. Invest time in these connections, offer help, and show appreciation for their support.
Be Clear About Expectations: While these relationships are less formal than a corporate board, knowing what kind of advice or support you seek is important.
These advisors aren't just voices of authority; they're partners in your journey, each bringing a slice of their life to light your way. It's not about one-size-fits-all advice but about having access to a spectrum of perspectives, allowing you to draw on the right wisdom at the right time. Your personal board becomes a mosaic of experiences, where every piece enriches your understanding and equips you to face your unique challenges with confidence. For myself, this board includes a couple of former bosses, a mentor from another company, a friend that knows me well, a coach, and a formal board member I have worked with. This diversity ensures well-rounded advice for any situation - anything from navigating the corporate world as a female, entrepreneurship, corporate dynamics, governance - the list is endless and means that I get more fulsome advice when I need it.
A personal board of advisors is a powerful tool for anyone looking to advance their career thoughtfully and intentionally. By leveraging a chosen few's collective wisdom, experience, and networks, you can confidently make more informed decisions, overcome obstacles, and pursue your career goals. Remember, the strength of your personal board lies in its diversity, the quality of relationships, and the mutual respect and support shared among its members.
Food for thought:
Who in your network can challenge you to think differently and offer fresh perspectives on your career path, and how might you approach them to be part of your personal board of advisors?
What specific goals or challenges in your career could benefit from targeted advice, and how can a personal board of advisors support you in addressing these?
