Building a Person Board of Directors

Most companies have a Board of Directors. In the business world, The Board is a group of individuals elected to represent shareholders and oversee the activities of a company or organization. The board's primary responsibility is to ensure that the organization operates effectively and in the best interests of its stakeholders. It provides oversight and strategic direction, financial oversight, and risk management assessment.

A personal board serves as a sounding board, helping you see perspectives you might miss, uncover information gaps, and identify viable paths forward. With a range of expertise and backgrounds, these advisors offer specialized insight that can enrich your decision-making. Think of them as a compass, helping you make clear, purposeful moves in your career and personal growth.

Choosing the right individuals for your board is crucial. The key is to be thoughtful and intentional about who you choose to include. Start by identifying the areas where you need the most guidance and support. You may want to develop your strategic thinking skills or navigate a challenging stakeholder relationship. You may have leveled up to a new position and are experiencing imposter syndrome. Ask yourself the hard questions about yourself. Make sure it is a diverse group of people in your life who are willing to be supportive and offer candid feedback. This is to help you improve, not be your fan club.

Create a list of potential peers and mentors. Peers have similar roles and experience levels as you do. Think of people you know from different places and times in your life. Peers will probably know you better than Mentors will. Mentors have large networks, great judgment, and rare insight that helps you “see around corners” in your career. Other points you need to consider are as follows:

·???????? Offer Unique Perspectives: Seek out individuals with diverse experiences, especially in areas where you need growth. If you’re navigating leadership, for example, find someone with extensive management experience.

·???????? Are Not Direct Friends: A personal board should remain professionally focused. Choose contacts who are friendly yet maintain enough professional distance to provide objective guidance without the complexities of personal ties.

·???????? Have High Emotional Intelligence: It’s important to pick people who understand the importance of clear, constructive feedback and can help you see your strengths and weaknesses without bias.

·???????? Can Challenge You: You need people who are more than happy to play the Devil’s advocate. As I said earlier, this is not a fan club. Even you sometimes need to hear direct criticism.

For the peers, send a quick email or LinkedIn message to let them know what you are up to and that you would like to compare notes. For the mentors, do your homework so you can begin testing different approaches to create an initial connection and then build a relationship over time.

According to Gib Biddle, CEO and founder of Chegg, building Mentor relations takes work. You’ll first want to research the person you want as a mentor and figure out how to create value for them. Take advantage of connections and ask for a trusted connection for a two-sided introduction. Be clear as to what you are looking for. And if the person is stretched and really cannot help you, ask if they know someone who can. If they can help, nurture the relationship. The point is to reinforce that you value this person’s judgment. Carve out a little time, each month, to reach out to peers/mentors. Loosely update them on what you are up to on an ongoing basis.

The members of your board of directors may not even know they are on it. You can certainly share their “board status” with them, or not. The more important point is to ensure you have the right mix of people on your board and you keep in touch with them regularly. Once you’ve selected members, establish a cadence for engaging with them. Share your goals and aspirations and seek their guidance on critical decisions. Your board will be most effective if you come prepared, ask specific questions, and are open to their perspectives.

Prepare for Each Meeting: Set a clear agenda outlining areas for guidance. This shows respect for their time and ensures you gain actionable insights.

Listen Actively: Approach feedback with an open mind, especially when it challenges your current assumptions. The purpose of a personal board is to gain insights you may not see on your own. ?And remember, you are providing value to them. Take a member out to lunch every month or so and discuss how they are doing. Some people have a standing coffee date, where they discuss where they are over coffee. 15 to 20 minutes every other week. Do what fits your board member’s schedule.

Another thing to remember is that life moves. You change. Your Board needs to be flexible as well. There will be some people on your board who will stick around forever, others will come and go in importance. The key is to stay in contact with everyone. You may find you need new mentors as you grow. Hopefully, by that time those people who were your mentors are now your peers.

Building a personal board of directors offers a structured way to grow personally and professionally. By surrounding yourself with trusted advisors who know you but aren’t close friends, you gain objective insights, unlock new directions, and stay accountable to your goals. A balanced perspective can be the most valuable tool in achieving long-term success.

Focus on building meaningful connections rather than superficial contacts. Invest time in nurturing your relationships, whether it’s with colleagues, mentors, friends, or family. Be genuine, offer support, and show appreciation. Strong relationships can open doors to new opportunities, provide emotional support, and enrich your life in ways that go beyond material success.