Why a Personal Board of Directors is Essential for Career Growth and Development in Any Industry

Why a Personal Board of Directors is Essential for Career Growth and Development in Any Industry
By Michelle Craig

In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving professional landscape, having a Personal Board of Directors is one of the most powerful ways to steer your career toward sustained growth and success. As a woman in leadership, it’s crucial to surround yourself with a diverse group of trusted advisors who can offer guidance, challenge your thinking, and provide the support you need to break barriers and achieve your goals. This concept, while common in business strategy, is equally transformative for individuals seeking to thrive across any industry.

What is a Personal Board of Directors?

A Personal Board of Directors is a carefully selected group of people who offer you advice, feedback, and mentorship as you navigate your career. Unlike a mentor who might focus on one area of your life, this board represents different areas of expertise and perspectives, helping you in decision-making, personal development, and long-term goal achievement.

Just as a company’s board of directors guides its growth and decision-making, your personal board provides the same function for your career. They help ensure you are focused, aligned with your values, and making the best possible decisions for both immediate challenges and long-term success.

Why Women in Leadership Need a Personal Board of Directors

As women, especially those in leadership roles, we often encounter unique challenges—whether it’s overcoming systemic biases, balancing multiple responsibilities, or navigating through corporate cultures that may not always recognize or support diverse leadership styles. A Personal Board of Directors helps in the following ways:

1. Providing Diverse Perspectives
   You need people who see things differently, offering you perspectives you may not have considered. As a leader, this is invaluable, especially when navigating difficult decisions or entering new territory. Your board can provide fresh insights, which help you approach problems from multiple angles.

2. Accountability and Support
   It’s easy to get so caught up in day-to-day tasks that you lose sight of your long-term vision. Your board will keep you accountable for your goals and push you to stay on track. They also serve as a support system, offering encouragement when things get tough, and celebrating your wins alongside you.

3. Challenging Your Assumptions
   One of the greatest values of having a board is their ability to challenge your thinking. Women in leadership roles often have to make quick, high-stakes decisions. Having trusted individuals who aren’t afraid to offer constructive criticism ensures you’re not operating in an echo chamber and helps you develop resilience and adaptability.

4. Broadening Your Network
   Each person on your board likely brings a different network of people and resources. This opens doors for new opportunities and connections that you wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. Whether you’re seeking career advice, business opportunities, or strategic partnerships, your board can be instrumental in broadening your horizons.

How to Build and Maintain Your Personal Board

1. Identify the Right People

Your board should consist of people who bring different strengths and areas of expertise to the table. Here are some key roles to consider:

• The Mentor: Someone who has been where you want to go, offering wisdom and long-term career advice.
• The Challenger: A person who won’t shy away from pushing you out of your comfort zone.
• The Cheerleader: Someone who provides encouragement and emotional support, especially in difficult times.
• The Expert: A specialist who offers deep knowledge in a specific area relevant to your goals.
• The Connector: A person with a vast network who can connect you to the right people and resources.

2. Set Clear Expectations

Each person on your board should know why you’ve chosen them and what you hope to gain from their involvement. Be clear about the type of feedback you’re seeking and how often you’d like to meet or check in. Whether it’s quarterly conversations or more informal check-ins, setting these expectations will ensure the relationship is mutually beneficial.

3. Evaluate Your Board Regularly

Just as a business would evaluate the performance of its board, you should periodically assess how well your Personal Board of Directors is serving you. Are they helping you achieve your goals? Are they challenging you in the right ways? If certain relationships aren’t as effective as they once were, it might be time to adjust the composition of your board.

Tips for Being an Effective Member on Someone Else’s Personal Board

Being asked to serve on someone’s personal board is an honor and a responsibility. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re providing value:

1. Be Present and Available
   Your mentee will need you at key moments in their journey. Make sure you are available and responsive when they reach out, especially during critical decision-making periods.

2. Offer Constructive Feedback
   Don’t hesitate to provide honest and direct feedback. You’ve been selected for your insights, so use your knowledge to push your mentee to be their best self. Offer solutions, not just critiques.

3. Encourage and Empower
   While it’s important to challenge your mentee, it’s equally important to uplift them. Be their biggest cheerleader when they doubt themselves, and remind them of their strengths and achievements.

4. Know When to Step Back
   Part of being an effective board member is knowing when to let your mentee take control. Offer your guidance, but allow them the space to make their own decisions and learn from their experiences.

Listen, building and maintaining a Personal Board of Directors is an essential strategy for career growth and development in any industry, especially for women in leadership. By surrounding yourself with diverse, trusted individuals who support, challenge, and encourage you, you are better equipped to overcome challenges, make strategic decisions, and achieve your career aspirations. And as you contribute to others’ boards, remember that leadership is a two-way street—giving and receiving wisdom is what helps us all grow.

KK Bye

-Michelle