The Idea: By 2020, roughly 40% of the workforce will be comprised of freelance, free thinking talent, according to a 2010 Intuit study. Surrounding ourselves with this type of talent is the key to flourishing in the new economy. The creation of a personal board of advisors who assist you in thinking through personal challenges is a foundation that will keep us all grounded. Whether you are a corporate leader, educator, entrepreneur or a teacher, you need a personal board. Who’s on your personal board and are they the right people?
Most people don’t have a trusted board that they can go to for candid, honest personal assessment. And the ones that do are often hindered by “yes men or women” that tickle their ears with things they want to hear. They are either not getting good advice or not astute at providing the type of counsel that more capable advisors could offer. Friends and family are essential voices in all of our lives but we all need three to five idea people who know us, have our back and are capable of unfiltered critique.
Who are these people?
A great personal board is comprised of people who have skills you currently don’t possess. They are strong people, who are not under your responsibility, are emotionally invested in your success, intellectually challenging and a peer. In other words, they want to see you succeed but are not negatively influenced by giving you difficult feedback.
Here are the most important questions you should be asking your personal board:
- How am I doing and where am I personally vulnerable?
- Where am I blind to things that may hurt me, my family or my business?
- What one thing should I do to be more successful in my relationships?
These questions (if answered honestly) can help anyone improve their personal relationships, their business and their daily lives.
Spending time with mentors, friends and coaches are excellent developmental steps. But the discipline of also spending time with a small group of personal advisors is invaluable and offers a different view of your-self.
A diverse thinking personal board, comprised of people with skills you are trying to emulate, and advisors who are strong enough to talk with you directly will keep you inspired and in the moment.
Who Is on your personal board of directors?
