Building Your Personal Board of Directors: Your Ultimate Circle for Authentic Growth and Accountability

Discover how to build a dynamic group of trusted advisors. This team will actively challenge your perspectives. They will ignite your intellectual curiosity. Their contributions will significantly accelerate your path to becoming your most capable self.

Forge your own personal board of directors for unmatched development. Gain varied insights, enhance your sense of responsibility, and guide your professional life with conviction and direction.

Early in my career, I vividly recall a period of feeling directionless. Despite my ambition and wish for progress, a lack of clear guidance left me uncertain. When confronted with complex decisions, I often struggled to find impartial counsel. My strategy was often to rely solely on my own limited viewpoint.

These circumstances often led to feelings of isolation, and I often doubted my choices.

An accomplished leader I deeply respected introduced me to a potent idea. It was the concept of creating a “Personal Board of Directors”. The idea wasn’t about formal roles or quarterly reviews. Instead, it required deliberately nurturing a network. This network consists of trusted individuals who offer varied viewpoints. They question my preconceptions and guarantee my accountability.

This insight truly shifted my perspective. It fundamentally changed my strategy for both professional growth and personal growth. It equipped me with the assurance and focus needed to navigate my career with authentic intent.

If you’re ready to move beyond navigating your path in solitude, this piece is for you. It’s time to leverage the collective intelligence of others. Let’s discuss how you can construct your own impactful advisory circle.

Key Takeaways

• Proactively Assemble Your Board: Don’t wait for challenges. Intentionally set up and cultivate relationships with diverse individuals. These individuals should offer different expertise and perspectives.
• Define Roles and Expectations: Understand what each “director” brings. For example: mentorship, accountability, or strategic insights. Communicate your needs clearly.
• Practise Active Listening and Curiosity: Engage deeply with their advice. Ask probing questions. Stay open to ideas that challenge your existing beliefs.
• Embrace Accountability: Use your board members to help you set goals. They can help in tracking progress. Stay committed to your authentic growth journey.
• Nurture Reciprocal Relationships: Remember that these are two-way streets. Offer value back to your board members. Such an approach will strengthen these vital connections.

Crafting Your Ultimate Advisory Circle

In the corporate world, a Board of Directors provides strategic oversight, guidance, and accountability to a company. Why don’t we apply the same rigour and strategic thinking to our lives and careers?

I believe we absolutely should. Building your personal board of directors is about creating a deliberate, diverse circle of trusted individuals. These people aren’t just friends or colleagues. They are chosen for their specific insights and experiences. They have the willingness to genuinely invest in your growth.

My journey with this concept began with a simple question. I asked myself, “Who do I genuinely admire and respect? What unique wisdom do they have?” This led me to find several individuals whose advice I valued immensely.

What is a Personal Board of Directors?

Think of it as your bespoke, informal group of advisors. Each member brings a distinct perspective, helping you to see blind spots, explore new possibilities, and make more informed decisions.

This isn’t just about finding a single mentor. It’s about building a multi-faceted support system for career growth.

Here’s what your ‘board’ typically comprises:

• The Industry Expert: Someone with profound knowledge in your field, offering insights into trends and strategic direction.
• The Outside Perspective: A person from a completely different industry or background, providing fresh, unconventional thinking. This is excellent for cross-disciplinary learning.
• The Accountability Partner: Someone who will hold your feet to the fire, ensuring you follow through on commitments. I’ve found having a dedicated accountability partner absolutely invaluable.
• The Wisdom Figure: A seasoned leader who has “been there, done that”, offering broad life and leadership lessons.
• The Champion/Cheerleader: Someone who believes fiercely in your potential and provides encouragement when you need it most.

My board, for instance, includes a former CEO who taught me the nuances of leadership composure. There is also a friend from a creative field who always challenges my rigid thinking. Additionally, a coach is brilliant at helping me with self-reflection.

Identifying Your Potential Directors

The process begins with reflection. I often suggest clients consider these questions:

• What areas of my life or career do I want to grow in?
• What skills do I need to develop?
• Who possesses the qualities, experience, or skill I lack but need?
• Who challenges me in a constructive way?

Don’t limit yourself to people you already know well. Occasionally, the most valuable insights come from those outside your immediate circle. I’ve found that some of my most impactful “directors” started as acquaintances I proactively reached out to.

Diversity is key. Aim for various ages, backgrounds, industries, and thinking styles. A truly effective board offers a kaleidoscope of perspectives, not an echo chamber. For me, seeking diverse perspectives has opened up countless new pathways.

Cultivating Your Advisory Relationships

Once you’ve identified potential members, the next step is to cultivate these relationships. This isn’t about sending a formal invitation to join your “board”. It’s far more organic and respectful.

Approach with Humility and Curiosity

Initially, I initiated contact with individuals I held in high regard. I requested a brief coffee meeting to seek their advice on a specific challenge or goal. My approach has consistently been, “I sincerely admire your work in X, and I am now grappling with Y. Would you be open to sharing some insights for 20 minutes over a coffee?”

Most people genuinely appreciate the opportunity and are eager to help.

Remember, this is about building trust, not just extracting advice.

Be Clear About Your Needs

While you shouldn’t send them a formal agenda, be prepared to articulate what you’re seeking. Do you need a sounding board for a major decision? Are you looking for mentoring for mutual growth? Are you seeking honest feedback on a new idea?

When you give clarity, it enables them to help you more effectively.

I learnt this the hard way. Early on, I was too vague, and our conversations sometimes lacked direction. Once I started framing specific questions, the value I received skyrocketed.

The Art of the Check-In

Your Personal Board doesn’t meet in a boardroom. Your interactions will be informal and varied:

• A quick phone call for advice on navigating difficult conversations.
• A coffee meeting to discuss career direction.
• An email update on a project you sought their feedback on.
• A text message to share an achievement.

I make it a point to regularly check in, not just when I need something. A simple “How are you going?” or “I read this article, and it made me think of you” can keep the relationship warm and reciprocal.

Embracing Authentic Growth and Accountability

The true power of your personal board lies in its ability to foster authentic growth and accountability.

Authentic Growth

With their varied viewpoints, your board members are uniquely positioned to question your preconceptions and inspire new ways of thinking. They will prompt you to explore your true self. These prompts help you in uncovering your genuine aspirations. This approach prevents you from merely chasing what you believe you ought to want.

Self-awareness deeply connects to this process. By hearing different viewpoints, I’ve often gained a clearer understanding of my values and strengths.

They help you connect with your inner compass, guiding you towards decisions that align with your authentic self.

Accountability

This is where the magic happens. It’s one thing to set a goal. It’s another thing to have someone genuinely invested in your success. They monitor your progress.

I once committed to launching a new online course. My “accountability director” ensured I was hitting my weekly milestones. Knowing I had to report back to her kept me focused, especially when my motivation waned. This dedicated support really helped me master taking responsibility for my commitments.

They act as your personal “board overseers”, ensuring that you don’t just talk about growth but actively pursue it. They celebrate your wins and offer constructive challenges when you falter. This creates a powerful cycle of sustained personal growth.

Giving Back to Your Board

Remember, these relationships are reciprocal. While your board members are investing in you, it’s crucial to find ways to give back. This isn’t about keeping score but about nurturing genuine, mutually beneficial connections.

Here are a few ways I try to add value:

• Offer Your Expertise: When a director mentions a challenge in your area of expertise, share your knowledge. Offer assistance right away. Share your insights to help solve the issue.
• Make Introductions: Connect them with people in your network who are valuable to them.
• Share Relevant Information: Send articles, books, or resources that you think would interest them. These resources also help with a problem they’re facing.
• Express Genuine Gratitude: A heartfelt thank you, or even a small token of appreciation, goes a long way.

Building a personal board of directors isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing, dynamic process of relationship building, learning, and growth. It’s one of the most powerful strategies I’ve implemented in my life. This approach has led to greater clarity. It has accelerated my development. It has also created a deeper sense of connection on my journey.

Wrapping Up

Establishing your personal board of directors signifies a major step in actively owning your development. It converts your individual journey from a lonely path into a collective expedition. By deliberately seeking varied wisdom, you empower yourself. Candid insights help you tackle obstacles. You can capitalise on your openings and ultimately evolve into a more genuine and influential leader.

🌱 Building Your Personal Board of Directors: The Growthenticity Connection

The core ideas explored in this article aren’t just isolated concepts; they deeply resonate with the principles of what I call ‘Growthenticity’:

“The continuous, integrated process of becoming more oneself (authentic) through leading with questions, learning through action, and growing by embracing uncertainty and imperfection, all fuelled by curiosity.”

Building a personal board of directors is a quintessential “Growthenticity” practice. It inherently encourages leading with questions. You actively seek diverse perspectives. You probe for insights beyond your understanding. Each interaction becomes an opportunity to learn by doing. You apply varied advice. Then, you watch the outcomes and iterate on your approach.

This process demands embracing uncertainty and imperfection. It requires acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers. Growth often comes from challenging feedback and navigating unknown territories. Ultimately, the entire endeavour is fuelled by curiosity. There is a deep wish to understand different viewpoints. We explore new possibilities and continually evolve into a more authentic and capable version of ourselves. It’s a living testament to the power of integrating authentic self-discovery with continuous development.

👉 I encourage you to check out my paid Substack offerings at Lead, Learn, Grow. You can further explore concepts like ‘Growthenticity.’ You will also gain access to practical tools and connect with a supportive community. This community focuses on fostering authentic and impactful growth. Join us as we unpack these ideas and support each other on our journeys.

🌱 Learn more about me and what I offer my free and paid Substack subscribers.🌱

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Your Turn

Who would be on your personal board of directors? What unique perspective would each member bring to your growth journey?