Your Personal Board of Trustees

What is a Personal Board of Trustees?

In my life, I have my personal board of trustees; like a board, some people come in, and others leave. It has helped me a lot with my personal and professional life. I’m now starting to get asked to be on a ton of advisors and boards. I wanted to share this concept where I all of you reading this article can benefit. Creating your own Personal Board of Trustees.

The concept of a personal board of trustees offers a unique approach to personal and professional development. My personal board of trustees is composed of mentors, advisors, and confidantes and brings together diverse perspectives and experiences, all aimed at guiding you through life's challenges and opportunities.

Unlike formal corporate boards, a personal board is deeply personal and customizable, designed to provide you with tailored advice, insights, and support. This advisory group acts as a sounding board for your ideas and decisions, offering a blend of wisdom, accountability, and encouragement that is critical for navigating the complexities of both your career and personal life.

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Why does this matter??

The true value of a personal board of trustees lies in its ability to foster resilience, adaptability, and growth. By engaging with a carefully selected group of individuals who understand your aspirations and challenges, you benefit from a wealth of experience and knowledge that can propel you towards your goals.

This support system not only aids in decision-making but also encourages you to explore new perspectives, challenge your assumptions, and step outside your comfort zone. In essence, a personal board of trustees is not just about having advisors; it's about creating a robust ecosystem of support that champions your success and pushes you to achieve your fullest potential in life.

For example, in my life, I have had my personal board of trustees for the past decade. Mine consists of former professors, family members, mentors, bosses, co-workers, and coaches. My goal is to get different viewpoints from people and then make the best decision moving forward.

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How to put Your Board of Trustees Together:

1. Identify Your Goals and Needs: Start by clarifying your personal and professional objectives. Understanding what you hope to achieve will help you determine the types of expertise and guidance you need. Think of what your end game of the next few chapters of your life is.
2. Consider a Diverse Range of Perspectives: Like how I told you what mine consist of, you should look for potential board members who come from various backgrounds and industries. Diversity in your board ensures a wide range of insights and advice.
3. Seek Out People You Admire: I have said for years and have to still messed up the saying but, ‘A rising tide lifts all boats.’ ?You should include individuals whose career paths, skills, or personal qualities you respect and aspire to emulate. These should be people you feel comfortable discussing your aspirations and challenges with.
4. Evaluate Potential Members for Compatibility: ?Ensure that your members of your personal board are mutually exclusive from one another. While expertise is important, so is personal compatibility. Your board members should be individuals you trust and feel comfortable receiving feedback from.
5. Formally Invite Members to Join Your Board: I keep my board from 5-7 people, only 1 person has left but usually I have been adding people as I go. You should reach out to your selected individuals with a personalized invitation explaining why you value their input and how you envision their role on your board. Be clear about the commitment you're asking for.
6. Set Clear Expectations: This is crucial, be mindful of people’s time and be very transparent on this. Discuss the nature of their involvement, how often you plan to meet (virtually or in person), and what type of advice or support you're seeking. Setting clear expectations ensures everyone is on the same page. Help create mutual goals for one another.
7. Establish a Schedule for Meetings: Whether it's quarterly, bi-annually, or on an as-needed basis, having scheduled times to convene with your board keeps you and your trustees engaged and accountable. I try to meet with individuals once every 4-6 weeks or if there is an as needed basis.
8. Prepare for Meetings: Very important. Send an email or text of exactly what you want to discuss. As stated before, be mindful of their time. To make the most of your time together, come to each meeting with specific topics or questions. This preparation ensures productive and focused discussions.
9. Be Open to Feedback: Be a damp sponge, dim your ego and just listen. A crucial part of this process is being receptive to the advice and perspectives your board offers, even when it challenges your preconceptions. Then you can accept or discern after you meet with them.
10. Express Gratitude: Always show appreciation for your board members' time and insights. A simple thank you note, or gesture of gratitude goes a long way in maintaining positive relationships. I’m a fan of sending digital coffee gift card.

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Final Thoughts:

The concept of establishing a Personal Board of Trustees is a transformative strategy for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of their personal and professional life with greater wisdom, resilience, and adaptability. It’s helped me in my life and it can help you.

By assembling a diverse group of mentors, advisors, and confidantes, individuals can benefit from a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences, tailored advice, and unwavering support. This unique advisory group not only acts as a sounding board for ideas and decisions but also fosters growth by challenging assumptions, encouraging exploration outside one's comfort zone, and providing accountability. The creation of such a board requires thoughtful consideration of one's goals, the diversity of the board, and the mutual respect and compatibility between its members. As demonstrated through practical steps and personal testimony, a Personal Board of Trustees is not merely about having advisors but cultivating a robust ecosystem of support that propels individuals towards achieving their fullest potential. Through intentional engagement, open receptiveness to feedback, and expressing gratitude, this strategy underscores the invaluable role that a personalized support system plays in championing success and facilitating a journey of continuous growth and development.

If you have any questions about creating your personal board of trustees, don't hesitate to get in touch with me on LinkedIn or at [email protected]. We’re here to help.