Create Your Personal Board of Directors
3 minute read
During a casual lunch with a colleague, they mentioned their ‘personal board of directors’. I said, “I love that concept!” Interestingly, they replied, “I learned that from you!” On my drive home, after laughing at myself a bit, I started to think about how important and valuable a ‘personal board of directors’ is. To be clear, I did not coin this term. I’m sure I learned about it in a book, or a podcast, but the idea has always stuck with me. Let’s take a moment to break it down to understand what a ‘personal board of directors’ entails, why it's crucial and how to assemble one.
Your personal board of directors can comprise anyone you choose: acquaintances, role models, fictional characters - anyone whose opinions and careers you admire. These individuals serve as your trusted advisors when contemplating significant life decisions or career moves. Think of them as guiding lights, helping you navigate through dilemmas and choices. Importantly, they should be people whose opinions you value and respect.
My personal board of directors is fluid, subject to change as needed, but the figures below have remained constant:.
My family: Family members that are intimately acquainted with my personal goals and integral to my overall happiness.
My friends: They know me deeply and serve as my staunchest supporters, always cheering me on to be happy and fulfilled.
My therapist: Such a big part of my life and always helps me gain perspective and guides my thoughts when they become too messy.
My professional mentor: Has worked with me for a long time and is intimately familiar with my career aspirations and capabilities.
Brené Brown: Her books have changed the way I show up in the world and she reminds me to always stay awkward, brave and kind.
This blend of personal connections and admired figures keep me grounded, remind me of my worth, provide encouragement, and deliver constructive criticism. They challenge my thinking and embody qualities I aspire to cultivate.
When faced with a decision, it’s not about seeking consensus from your board of directors; that’s likely unattainable. Instead, they should represent a reliable support system who always has your best interests in mind. Together, their input should serve as a reminder of your identity and provide information you need to help guide you toward your ultimate goals.
For instance, when contemplating a job switch, each person had different opinions on what was best for me. In this case, I took a page from Brene Brown’s book and took a minute to get quiet with myself. Amidst different viewpoints, the consistent message amongst my personal board of directors was that they wanted me to be happy. They felt confident I would succeed in whatever I decided to do, but wanted me to be happy doing it. This was extremely helpful as it reminded me of my value and my worth and also reminded me that even if I made the ‘wrong’ decision, I was never out of options.
Remember, your personal board of directors is there to guide, not dictate. They should offer perspective, encouragement, and unwavering support on your journey towards fulfillment and success.
Want help crafting your personal board of directors? Let us know!
