Building a Personal Board of Directors: Surrounding Yourself with Supportive Advisors

Dear Subscriber,

Just as a company relies on a board of directors to provide guidance and strategic insight, you can benefit from assembling your own personal board of directors. This group of trusted advisors can offer support, challenge your thinking, and help you make informed decisions about your personal and professional growth. Here’s how to create and leverage a personal board of directors for success.

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### 1. Identify Your Goals and Needs

- Clarify Your Vision: Define what you want to achieve in your career and personal life. Your goals will guide the type of advisors you seek.

- Pinpoint Skills and Insights You Lack: Identify areas where you need guidance, such as leadership development, industry knowledge, or work-life balance strategies.

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### 2. Choose a Diverse Group of Advisors

- Seek Different Perspectives: Your board should consist of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This variety fosters creative thinking and well-rounded advice.

- Include Mentors, Peers, and Industry Experts: A mix of senior mentors, trusted colleagues, and experts in your field ensures a balanced approach to decision-making.

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### 3. Prioritize Trust and Compatibility

- Select People You Respect: Choose advisors whose values align with yours and whom you trust to give honest, constructive feedback.

- Build Chemistry: Your board should consist of people with whom you feel comfortable sharing your challenges and aspirations.

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### 4. Define Roles and Expectations

- Clarify Their Contribution: Communicate what you’re looking for—whether it’s strategic advice, industry insights, or moral support.

- Establish Boundaries: Be mindful of their time and involvement. Let them know how often you’ll reach out and the types of input you’ll need.

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### 5. Leverage Their Strengths

- Play to Their Expertise: Tap into the unique skills and experiences of each advisor. For example, one might offer career guidance, while another helps you navigate workplace dynamics.

- Encourage Honest Feedback: Foster an environment where advisors feel comfortable sharing candid insights, even if it’s not what you want to hear.

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### 6. Foster Mutual Value

- Offer Something in Return: While your advisors are helping you, think of ways you can support them—whether through introductions, sharing resources, or simply expressing gratitude.

- Build a Two-Way Relationship: Strong relationships thrive on mutual respect and collaboration.

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### 7. Keep Communication Open and Consistent

- Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Periodically meet or communicate with your board members to update them on your progress and challenges.

- Stay Transparent: Share both successes and struggles to provide a complete picture of your journey.

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### 8. Be Open to Evolving Your Board

- Reassess Regularly: Your goals and needs will change over time, so it’s important to evaluate your board and make adjustments as necessary.

- Add New Members When Needed: As you grow, you may need advisors with different expertise to address new challenges.

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### 9. Leverage Technology to Stay Connected

- Use Digital Tools: Platforms like LinkedIn or virtual meeting tools make it easier to maintain relationships with advisors across different locations.

- Create Group Synergy: Consider occasional group meetings to encourage collaboration among your advisors.

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### 10. Act on Their Advice

- Implement Their Suggestions: Show your advisors that you value their input by acting on their recommendations.

- Reflect on Outcomes: Evaluate how their advice has impacted your decisions and share the results with them to reinforce the relationship.

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### Conclusion

A personal board of directors can be a game-changer for your personal and professional growth. By surrounding yourself with trusted advisors who challenge and support you, you can gain the clarity, confidence, and insight needed to achieve your goals. Remember, this is a two-way relationship—nurture it with respect and gratitude, and your board will become a vital asset on your journey to success.

Best regards,

Executive Resume Writer

+1 (850) 660-9701

[email protected]