You may have heard the term “personal board of directors” and how essential one can be for career success. Just as companies rely on their boards for guidance, you too can benefit from a carefully selected group of advisors.

This approach goes beyond traditional mentorship, offering a tailored support system for your professional journey. By assembling a diverse group of advisors, you create a network that can guide you through major decisions, career shifts, and personal challenges.

Assembling Your Board

Who should be on your personal board? The composition of your board should reflect your unique goals and aspirations. Consider including:

• Someone with your dream job or a someone a few levels ahead of you
• A financial expert
• Someone knowledgeable in an area outside your expertise
• An individual who shares your cultural background
• Executive sponsors who can advocate for you behind closed doors
• A former supervisor who has become a mentor

This diverse mix ensures you receive well-rounded advice that aligns with your objectives.

Adaptability and Evolution

As your career evolves, so should your board. Members can rotate in and out, ensuring that the guidance you receive remains relevant. This fluidity helps you make informed decisions, identify new opportunities, and navigate potential setbacks. Connecting with your board can be as simple as a phone call, an email chain, or a group chat—fostering honest, mutually beneficial relationships that promote growth for all involved.

Setting Goals and Evaluating Your Journey

Creating a personal board of directors is not just about advancing your career; it’s about empowering both personal and collective growth within your community. This is particularly important for those who have faced barriers to accessing mentorship, representation, and leadership opportunities.

Your goals should reflect both personal aspirations and a broader desire to bring others with you. Whether it’s breaking into executive leadership, advocating for diversity, or building networks for future generations, your board can help you navigate these objectives.

Self-assessment is crucial to this process. Tools like the Saboteur, CliftonStrengths, and StandOut assessments can provide deeper insight into your unique qualities, helping you align your personal growth goals with your natural abilities. Sharing these insights with your board allows them to provide tailored guidance that complements your strengths.

Anticipating Challenges

Building a personal board of directors can be transformative, but it’s important to anticipate potential challenges, especially for those from underrepresented communities:

• Culturally disconnected advice. Make sure your board includes individuals who understand your unique context and challenges.
• Conflicting input. Develop a keen sense of self-awareness to navigate differing opinions. Weigh advice against your personal goals and values.
• Overdependence. While your board is important, maintain your independence. They are there to support your decisions, not make them for you.

Sustaining the Board

Regular communication is key to keeping your board engaged and aligned with your journey. Open dialogue allows your advisors to adjust their guidance to better reflect your evolving needs, especially when navigating the often unspoken barriers that underrepresented groups encounter in leadership roles.

Final Thoughts

The long-term benefits of a personal board of directors are significant, especially for those facing underrepresentation in leadership. A diverse group of advisors who understand both your cultural nuances and the professional landscape creates a solid foundation for sustained success. Your board can also be helpful in fostering an ecosystem where everyone rises together. As you benefit from your board’s guidance, commit to mentoring and guiding others coming up behind you. This reciprocity helps build a pipeline of talent, ensuring more representation at every level of leadership.