Your personal advisory board
Have you got a personal advisory board?
The idea of forming your own board as a check-in, support and development isn’t a new one. But I was reminded of it recently when in conversation with one of those wise women we all need in our lives.
You are the hero, the main character in the movie of your life, so yes, you deserve and need a personal advisory board. An advisory board is not just for big businesses, companies or famous people.
Brené Brown calls it her square squad and Keith Ferrazzi writes about the idea in his book Never Eat Alone. Lewis Howes calls it his dream team.
What is a personal advisory board?
A group of people you build around you, to inspire you, give you wisdom and hold you to account. They supplement your skills and experience with their own. Usually a diverse range of people with different experiences. They are a group you can check in with when facing decisions, or during uncertain times.
Why do you need one.
It’s about progress, growth and working towards the goals you’ve set yourself. Be it about personal development, your career or your team. The range of perspectives and experiences will open your eyes and your mind to way more possibilities than you thought possible. You have a group that is there to support and encourage on the tough days. They’ll challenge your thinking and pull your thinking and your behaviour up when you need it. This will hold you to account for doing the work you’ve set yourself. It also gives you access to a wider and expanded network, which has additional benefits.
We aren’t supposed to do this alone, having help, getting advise, it’s all good.
The crucial who.
There is heaps of advice about who should be on your board. First up, it’s your board, so you get to choose. It would help if you had a diverse range of thinking, experience and skills to get the benefits. If it is full of people who think like you with the same experience, you won’t get the benefits that you’re looking for.
Mentorloop has a themed list of types of people, there are some practical tips in this post. For a more specific role and position angle, check out this LinkedIn piece, which is a blend of themed traits and the roles to play.
I have people on my board who I haven’t or am unlikely to ever meet (never say never though, I guess). I tap into their wisdom and ideas through what they’ve written or presented. Using books, podcasts and TED talks.
The more I read and explored this topic, being clear on what you want from them is crucial to getting the right people. Why now and what goals are you looking at? This is the key step. When clear on that, then look to your network and connections.
Given that step, it’s expected and normal that the makeup of your board will change over time.
If you’re struggling with a challenge a conversation with someone on your board is a sensible step forward. It could be somewhere you are stuck and need that honest and kind kick to get you moving. It might be a new perspective on solving a team challenge you are going in circles on.
Who’s going to be on your board?
