Gone are the days when any of us -- no matter what our level of business experience, our job description or our career goals – needs to rely solely on own selves for everything.
From the Internet to social media sites to the “it takes a village” mentality, we’re now seeing that not only is it “OK” to reach out and get the support, mentoring, guidance and expertise that we need, but that this is a “must” in our quest for advancement, satisfaction and, ultimately, success in our careers.
Going at it alone is no longer the name of the game. The days of the Wild, Wild West/each man (or woman) for himself (herself) mentality are long gone. Reaching out and soliciting help is not only an option, it’s a given. And doing it in an organized, strategic way is what smart admins (and many others) are doing.
Enter your personal Board of Advisors. Think a Board of Advisors is more the “big boys” only?
Think again!
A personal board of directors is, as it relates to you and other professionals, a group of people who know and understand you, your personality, your goals and unique vision. It exists to consult with and advise you as needed and/or on a regular (say, once every quarter) basis on a wide variety of areas that are applicable to you and your career.
Your Board and its members don’t give you money, receive your outsourced tasks or take dictation from you (though all of that would be nice!). What these people do provide is time, insight, advice and wisdom.
Who makes up your personal board of advisors? Determining who “sits” on your board is much easier than you might think. Here’s what I recommend:
· Think of what you focus on most on, say, a daily basis. For me, I’d put professional skills, networking, technology, work/life balance (I’m a single mom to two young men!), finances/financial planning and maybe a “wild card” like hobbies or fun on my list.
· Next, make a list of those people whose wise counsel you seek regularly.
· Then, start to match your areas of focus with the folks who are already actively helping you. Each appointee should be experienced and knowledgeable in the particular area in which you are looking for them to advise you.
(By the way, I know some of you might want some “big names” on your personal B of A. For instance, I’d love to appoint Suze Orman as my personal finance advisors, but we need to be realistic. We’re looking for people who are already familiar with at least one aspect of our lives and careers. They need to be available by phone or e-mail on an ongoing basis. So at least for now, I will have to “table” the Suze idea!).
Join us for Part 2, where I'll share tips on how to select the members of your Board of Advisors.
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