With the New Year fast approaching, now is a great time to reflect on what you’d like to accomplish next year and where you’ll obtain support.
Success doesn’t happen in isolation. Just like organizations rely on a strong board of directors for guidance and accountability, you can benefit from having your own personal board of directors to help you grow, stay grounded, and thrive.
Why You Need a Personal Board
Even the most capable leaders need support. Your board provides perspective during challenges, encouragement when self-doubt hits, and wisdom for big decisions. Think of them as your external Sage team—helping you navigate life and leadership with empathy, creativity, and calm.
Who Should Be on Your Board A strong board is diverse in experience and mindset. There are six key roles to consider:- The Mentor – Someone experienced who can provide you with wisdom and advice for your personal or work life. This individual has been in your shoes and can offer sage guidance.
- The Sponsor – A champion who actively advocates for your growth and can open doors for you. This person serves as your biggest cheerleader, keeping you top of mind for opportunities.
- The Challenger – A critical thinker who challenges and pushes your growth. They are very supportive, but do not tolerate your excuses. If you’re procrastinating, they’ll call you out.
- The Peer – A colleague or friend who can understand your perspective or lifestyle and provide grounding. This individual relates to your situation, because they’ve experienced similar circumstances.
- The Industry Expert – A specialist who provides updates on trends and innovations. Thy have extensive knowledge in areas that you need to accomplish your goals.
- The Personal Confidant – A trusted friend or family member who supports your well-being. They want you to be happy and fulfilled, but will not support your success if it is at the expense of your well-being. Sometimes these individuals can’t be as objective as other board members, but they provide support in ways the other seats can’t fill.
Take the necessary time to carefully consider who you pick for these seats. Vet their skills and expertise. Confirm that their core values align with yours. If you highly value work/life balance, for example, a workaholic who asserts that you put in 14-hour work days isn’t a good fit for you to create and enjoy the life you want.
The frequency with which you check-in with your board members will vary. You may meet with some members on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis. It’s not necessary that your board members live in the same city as you. A check-in can be by phone, email, video chat, or in person. It can be beneficial to plan a virtual board meeting with available board members quarterly or every six months. This valuable time together could include training, strategy sessions, or brainstorming. Have fun with it!
Reflection for the New Year Ask yourself:- Who are the voices guiding my growth?
- Who challenges me to think differently?
- Who celebrates my success and reminds me of my “why”?
Your personal board of directors could be the most powerful investment you make in yourself this year.
💬 Call to Action:Start building your board today. Choose one person to reach out to this week and invite them to be part of your growth journey.
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