Curating Your Personal Board of Directors

Humans crave community. We surround ourselves with others for physical, emotional, and psychological support. We begin with “family of origin,” genetic relations, and quickly expand that to include “family of choice” – caregivers, friends, and classmates. 

This need for community doesn’t fade when we enter the workforce. As leaders, it is critical that we develop, nurture, and curate our workplace relationships to propel our development.

In this week’s issue, we explore the personal board of directors. Just as organizations use boards to advise on decisions, present different perspectives, and hold leaders accountable, so our personal boards guide and challenge us.

Organizations recruit board members to play specific roles, leverage specific skills, and bring specific experience. And, as organizations evolve, so do board member requirements.

Who might be on your board? Start with people who can advise, inspire, and motivate, such as:

• Family and friends
• Bosses and colleagues
• Clients and customers
• Mentors and role models
• Coaches and therapists

As you curate your personal board, here are three things to consider.

Identify desired EXPERIENCE.

When I became an entrepreneur after 25 years in the corporate world, I knew I needed to evolve my community. I lacked mentors and peers who were further through the entrepreneurial tunnel and could shine a light into scary dark corners. I wanted different coaches from different disciplines who could expose blind spots and unlock my potential. I leaned into close family and friends who would pick me up and brush me off after a rough day.

What are your leadership development aspirations? What ladders are you climbing, what gaps are closing, what transitions are you making? Answering these questions will shape the experience you seek in board members. 

Set and manage EXPECTATIONS.

In 2012, I interviewed with Ken Pearson, GPHR, ACC, CPC (He / Him) for a unique role at SAP SuccessFactors . I remember ending the call and thinking, I want this job so I can work with him. We were peers, then he became my boss. Our trusted work partnership blossomed into deep friendship. As we both explore the next phases of our careers, we established a biweekly “mastermind” call – and clarified our expectations of each other in that held space. We poke at blind spots. We share our fears. We rediscover our best and boldest selves in the face of those fears. And, as professional desires shift, we reset what we need from our time together.

Talk to your board members. Tell them why you value their wisdom and how you’d like to engage. Maybe it’s formal and scheduled. Maybe it’s as needed. You might ask your board members to wear a few hats in the same conversation (collaborator to coach to champion). Regularly review those expectations, renewing if there’s mutual benefit and retiring if the board member’s term has expired.

Apply the shared EXPERTISE.

I served as treasurer on the board of ICFLA , the International Coaching Federation 's Los Angeles chapter. I worked hard to deliver on the leaders’ expectations and, in turn, wanted my recommendations to be acknowledged.

Make your board members feel valued and appreciated. Optimize your learning from them. Even if you disagree with the feedback or recommendations, find something to absorb from your interactions. Harness collective wisdom to enhance your leadership and expand your thinking. And remember to say thank you – gratitude (especially during this season of Thanksgiving) is a great way to nurture and nourish your board relationships.

Wrapping up.

"We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow [humans].” – Herman Melville

Uplevel your leadership. Be the CEO of your career. Follow the example of organizations and invest in your own board of directors – and offer to be a board member yourself. Celebrate the many benefits of community.

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Tina is founder of WorkJoy, investing in the professional community through executive, leadership, spiritual, and team coaching. Learn more and join the WorkJoy crusade!