Convene Your Personal Board of Directors

It's no secret that a mentor can be a terrific resource as you navigate your career path. The "it takes a village" philosophy is a great way to tap multiple mentors at once and develop your personal resource team. Why get stressed about growing, managing, or navigating your career path alone when you can utilize the wisdom of others who want to help you move forward?

From entry-level job seekers to seasoned professionals, everyone can benefit from a personal Board of Directors. Think about the people you can ask to be on your resource team who can assist with career strategies, special training, or network building. Your personal career posse can help when you need it most and be a valuable resource outside of your workplace for you to confide in.

Here are some ways people can serve on your Board since a variety of people will perform different functions.

Accountability Master -- this person will hold you to task and give you the gentle (or not so gentle nudge) to get you moving towards your goal. They will help you navigate your blind spots and provide honest constructive criticism when you need it most. This person can also help you step out of your comfort zone to take a risk and embrace change.

Motivator -- this person will be your cheerleader and provide support and inspiration even when the going gets tough. Your enthusiasm may wane with stress and lack of focus but your motivational Board member will give you a renewed sense of energy and help you play to your strengths.

Trainer -- perhaps you have been promoted to a new leadership role at work but have never supervised a team, for example. This Board member has significant experience as a leader and can advise and counsel you with best practices. If you don't have that skill set available from one of your volunteer Board members, then consider hiring an Executive Coach who specializes in leadership training to get you into shape to take on your new professional responsibilities. No matter what the unique competency, a variety of trainers can be an asset as you grow your career and take on new roles.

Connector -- if you are in transition, interested in growing your career, or just wanting to learn about a career different from your own, chances are your connector will know someone you should meet. This person has a vast network and can make introductions on your behalf for informational interviewing, job shadowing, and other professional referrals. You should have multiple connectors on your Board because these people are in-the-know and current with industry trends and organizational practices. They know the scoop!

Strategist -- you need a visionary who will help you map out your big picture career path and assist you with implementing a plan to achieve those goals. This person can also be a great resource when problem solving or handling difficult scenarios at work.

Proofer -- whether you are sending out a resume, cover letter, or portfolio for new job lead, have someone proof you work before you push send. We get so close to our materials that it's easy to miss things and your detail oriented proofer can catch mistakes that could be a deal breaker if left unnoticed. This person with laser focus can also help you with the small and important details you must work on in your career action plan.

Specialist -- in many cases this is an area where you are going to hire a professional like a web designer, public relations expert, accountant, or lawyer because you need someone with specialized experience to help you accomplish your goals. It's worth it to invest in these services from accomplished professionals who have proven their worth through recommendations and examples of their work. It's not unheard of to have Board members who will provide these services pro bono but it is rare.

You may also consider your health care providers and other mind/body/spirit professionals to help you navigate your journey with a team. Having a Board makes you conscious that personal and professional development is a lifelong process and that your needs change over time.
Your Board should be filled with people who can advise you as certain needs arise. While there may be a unique time to convene them as a group, most often you will seek them out individually for their particular advice. It's all about knowing who's got your back when you need it most.

Be sure to steward your Board by showing your appreciation for their expertise regularly. Whenever possible, pay-it-forward and ask how you can be of service to them. Keep the circle of wisdom continuous by serving on someone else's Board - you will be glad you did!

Check out my new video segment about Assembling Your Board of Directors.

Caroline Dowd-Higgins authored the book "This Is Not the Career I Ordered" and maintains the career reinvention blog of the same name (www.carolinedowdhiggins.com) She is also the Director of Career & Professional Development at Indiana University Maurer School of Law.

 

 

 

Follow Caroline Dowd-Higgins on Twitter: www.twitter.com/cdowdhiggins

Comments

[Gabriel Boehmer]

12:58 AM on 05/16/2011

Thanks for your post, Caroline. Got me thinking about the people I'd ask to fill some of those roles. I also liked Lorianne's suggestion about the communications role. My follow-up questions for you are: How do suggest starting conversations with the folks you might want to consider recruiting for your personal board? Also, could you give a couple examples of first steps you'd take with them -- especially the strategist.

-- Gabe Boehmer, Corporate Communications, Wells Fargo. Opinions expressed here are my own.

[Caroline Dowd-Higgins]

08:24 AM on 05/17/2011

Gabe - I appreciate your question! I have sought out my individual Board members for various things throughout my professional journey and my Board numbers ebb and flow depending on where I am in my career. When I was beginning my consulting practice one of my great mentors said - "What do you want to happen in the next 5 years?" She became my strategist and helped me articulate and map out my goals. You might start asking your mentors (or prospective Board members) who have a visionary quality and ability to brainstorm with you about your 5 year plan. They may bring other Board members or resources to the table but the key is to start conversations and ask specific questions with those whose counsel you seek and trust. I hope this helps.

Best,
Caroline

[Gabriel Boehmer]

09:53 AM on 05/17/2011

The five-year question is a great start, Caroline. Thanks for the quick reply. Looking forward to reading more of your posts.

[Robert SF]

11:34 AM on 05/15/2011

Darn, so this is why 15 million Americans are out of work with only 3 million positions available? If only they had personal boards of directors! The thing is, when there are jobs, none of these contrived systems are necessary, and when there are no jobs, none of them are worth anything. These systems really are a form of superstition, a belief that if you follow just the right rituals, Fortune will smile at you. But right now, there are 12 million Americans for whom nothing works because THERE ARE NO JOBS.

[Caroline Dowd-Higgins]

08:27 AM on 05/17/2011

Robert - you are certainly correct that the unemployment situation in our country is epic and extremely emotional and debilitating for those out of work. But I encourage you to seek out mentors and a personal Board that can help you think outside of the box for job possibilities that you may not have ever considered. The multi tiered networking alone will help get the word out about what a great hire you are and it helps to have a team talking you up in the field.

[leecoopers]

03:04 AM on 05/15/2011

There is certainly much to be gained from the collective wisdom of others and the value that can be gained from a Personal Board of Directors is potentially huge. A great concept but one aspect would appear to be missing. Personal accountability. For sure surround yourself with great people for all the reasons written, but at the end of the day it does not excuse personal accountability for your own outcome. Ultimately, your own actions, behaviour, follow through will drive your outcome. You can surround yourself with people who will try to hold you to account, but until you hold yourself to account the outcome will not be long lasting.

[Caroline Dowd-Higgins]

12:34 PM on 05/15/2011

I agree with you 100% - personal accountability is paramount in life and career. Your Board is meant to give you advice, counsel, and support but at the end of the day you must trust your gut and weigh their advice with your goals, integrity and personal agenda so your Board does not run away with your professional goals. Sometimes you will disagree with your Board and that's ok - this stretches your problem solving and reasoning abilities and helps you muster your self confidence when you need it most. Thank you for sharing your fabulous insight!

[Rachel C Ybarra]

01:01 PM on 05/15/2011

Lee - I completely agree with you. The information provided in the article is spot on and personal accountability is also needed. I would also say a passion and drive for personal development is also critical. An ability to learn new concepts and be willing to put in all the time needed over and above what your trainer, strategist and motivator can do for you. When a person recognizes they can only spend a finite period of time with their board and the remainder is by themselves, they must be willing to fill those roles themselves during the silent time. That is where real rigor and fortitude come into play.

[Caroline Dowd-Higgins]

08:30 AM on 05/17/2011

Rachel and Lee - thank you for your valuable and additional insight about the Board of Directors concept. It is a fluid strategy that must be customized for each individual but the key point you both made is that ultimately the accountability rests with the individual and not the Board.

Cheers,
Caroline

[LoraineAntrim]

09:42 AM on 05/14/2011

The idea of a Personal Board of Directors is a brilliant idea and a great way to get honest feedback. But one missing member of that team is a Communication Strategist. All the mentoring in the world can fall short if you don't have someone who can guide you to a communication strategy and hone your public speaking skills. Loraine Antrim

[Caroline Dowd-Higgins]

02:40 PM on 05/14/2011

A very wise addition to the team. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Loraine - great suggestion!

Best,
Caroline

[Joni Ruller McGary]

02:18 PM on 05/13/2011

This is exactly what I need! Thank you, Caroline. Great piece.