Impact of a Personal Board of Directors

A few years ago, when we were all still meeting virtually because of the pandemic, something unexpected turned life enhancing took root. I had recently joined a professional organization and was matched with a group of other women in a coaching pod. As our group started coming together and forming relationships over video, we talked about our personal lives, our families, our upbringings, our jobs, our careers. We celebrated and supported each other and talked about workplace and career topics impacting us all.

Four years later, we still meet monthly via video as a self directed group and try to meet in person every quarter or so. We’ve been through layoffs and promotions and job changes. Our kids have thrived and have been through significant challenges and some have gone off to college. Family members have passed, birthdays have been celebrated, trails have been hiked. When we meet, we can show up authentically. No judgment, only support. Feeling quiet and want to listen? Respect. Feeling bubbly and have a lot to say? We’re here for it. Having a tough week? We’ve got you.

This group has become my very powerful personal board of directors. We may have come together without first choosing one other, but now we have doubled down on our commitment to each other and the power of the group.?

What makes this group so powerful, and why do I recommend having your own board of directors? What is a personal board of directors?

Imagine having a team of coaches or mentors, each with their own specialty, who are invested in your success. They're the people you can call on to challenge your thinking, offer advice, and push you to grow. You meet with them regularly to discuss your career and personal development, and they help you navigate the complexities of your professional landscape.

This is a personal board of directors. The concept is similar to having a circle of trusted advisors, each bringing their unique perspective to help you make informed decisions and strategize effectively. They are not paid or officially appointed like a corporate board; instead, they're there because they believe in your potential and are willing to invest time in your success.

One of the reasons that I find my group so powerful is that we know each other on a deeply personal level. I believe it is impossible to provide meaningful career advice without an understanding of the whole person. Is it time to go for that promotion or switch jobs? These decisions often need to be made in the context of everything else going on in our lives. Is someone putting off something important because they are afraid? The group can help suss that out and provide kind yet firm accountability.

Some of the ways that we help each other include:

Leveraging Diverse Expertise: We come from different backgrounds and have functional expertise in different areas of business. This diversity allows for well-rounded discussions and advice.

Mentorship and Guidance: We offer insights based on our experiences. We help each other with career moves, leadership, conflict resolution, and more.

Accountability: We help hold each other accountable to professional goals and commitments.

Networking: We scour our networks and open doors for each other.

Support System: We provide emotional and moral support, which is crucial for navigating high-stakes or stressful professional situations. Our group text string is my favorite. Not too noisy and always uplifting. And we CELEBRATE one another.

If you are intrigued by this idea, look around for people who might be a good fit for this reciprocal relationship. Having regular meetings and clear objectives help provide some structure and ensure alignment. Let me know if this resonates with you, and reach out if you want help getting started!