Pivotal moments in our careers demand tough decisions on short notice. How we navigate these is one way we develop our point of view, but we don’t have to do this alone. As the CEO of your career — you have the authority to decide whose advice will benefit you the most. Just as a successful CEO relies on their board of directors to inform decision-making, you can also benefit from a panel of experts that informs yours.
Imagine accessing a think tank of career experts who know you and can help you craft the next chapters of your professional story. Attuned to your professional needs, this panel comprises carefully selected individuals with unique experiences, skills and backgrounds. This personal advisory board empowers you with valuable third-party insight, helping you overcome challenges and make decisions with confidence and clarity.
A personal board can help you stay on track with your goals and discuss challenges like a professional board. But the difference is that this team is all about you and your growth, allowing you to avoid pitfalls you may not have the experience to recognize.
Your career development is a journey that should always be in motion. A personal board can be a powerful ally in this ambition, significantly boosting your career advancement and success. Here’s what you need to know to assemble your board.
Envisioning your board
While making a recent career move, an executive search firm asked me to provide six references for my new employer. I tapped former supervisors, CEOs, past colleagues and team members I had managed. Each reference offered a unique angle on my professional journey. By presenting this diverse array of perspectives, I aimed to showcase a holistic preview of who I am — a leader supported by a network of individuals who have seen me through challenges and successes.
Consider how you would shape a panel that could offer a similarly encompassing preview of your professional journey. You don’t have to reserve this powerful network solely to support your career advancement. While their endorsement is valuable, so is their collective wisdom. Tap into it to shape your mindset, introduce new ideas, guide you toward professional growth, help you tackle challenges and empower you to make well-informed decisions.
Building your board
As you advance in your career, turning to friends and family for advice is no longer enough. It’s crucial to have impartial influencers who understand the nature of your work and the career challenges you’re weathering. The right advisors can help you address blind spots, challenge your thinking and offer guidance.
Choose board members who know you well but are not your direct manager. This ensures that the feedback you receive is constructive yet impartial.
Your board should ideally consist of five or six individuals, including industry experts, peers and former managers who have made a real impact on your career. By choosing board members with strengths that complement yours, you can create a valuable resource to guide your decision-making throughout your career.
Your board should include a mentor, a connector, a truth-teller, a tech expert and others. Incorporating a mix of generations brings unique insights and perspectives, including opportunities for reverse mentoring. Inviting diverse input helps ensure your career stays aligned with your long-term goals.
Leveraging your board for success
Once your board is in place, engage with them and seek their advice on significant decisions, whether a new job opportunity, a leadership challenge or a personal development goal. Your board can also hold you accountable for your goals, help you expand your network and join you in celebrating your achievements.
Communicate regularly with them and assess whether their guidance aligns with your aims. Refresh your board to harness the most relevant support as your objectives change.
Building and maintaining a personal board is not a one-size-fits-all process. It’s more ad hoc and situational, adapting to the changing landscape of goals and objectives. This flexibility ensures that your board remains relevant and practical. I also recommend rotating personal board members with varied experiences, like mentors. This proactive approach ensures that your board remains dynamic and adaptable, ready to meet the changing demands of your professional journey.
Establishing a robust professional brand is paramount for shaping your presence in your industry. It influences your career prospects, networking opportunities, and overall success. Leveraging your network can enhance your brand and provide expert strategies and advice to convey your distinct value and expertise to your industry. This strategic approach will improve your career prospects, paving the way for new avenues of growth and advancement.
The impact of a personal board
Having a personal board of directors is about getting advice and continuous learning.
Building relationships with your board members can open up new opportunities for growth and development. Surrounding yourself with accomplished individuals will inspire you to achieve more.
Your board can also help you navigate the complexities of leadership. Whether you want to improve your coaching and mentoring skills, enhance your strategic thinking or develop a stronger executive presence, your board can provide the guidance and feedback you need to grow as a leader.
Your board members are more than just a support network — they are your partners in mutual growth. As you advance in your career, you will be in a position to offer advice as a personal advisor, paying it forward to help others on their career journeys. With the right people by your side, your career can become more fulfilling and successful while contributing to the growth of those around you.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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