Top Five: Build Your Own Personal Board of Directors
Being the CEO of your life, means finding the right people to succeed in your career
Networking is an integral part of career growth, but how you create a core group of people you can depend on in your professional life can impact you for a long time. Think of it as your own personal board of directors of your company, You Inc.
Here are some thoughts to consider as you build your board room.
1. Create Your Goals
Decide what areas you want to focus on and what skills and experience you might need to achieve your goals.
2. Identify Potential Members
Think about people in your immediate sphere who you often ask professional and personal questions. When it comes to your career, who are the people who have the expertise you hope to have in 5 years from now, 10 years from now? Look for people who have achieved what you want to achieve, or who have skills or knowledge that complement your own.
3. Reach out an ask
Contact those you’ve identified and ask if they would be part of your personal board of directors. Be clear in what you are asking them for, career advice etc.
4. Be Open and Listen
These people are giving you their time, so listen to their feedback and advice. Some of it might be hard to hear or what you don’t want to hear. Be open to their ideas and suggestions. Most importantly, be willing to take action on what they’ve said, you might see some of this as risky, but you know what they say, no risk no reward.
5. Offer Value In Return
Your personal board of directors is giving you their time and advice, so be willing to offer something in return. This could be by connecting with their junior employees and mentoring or helping them, sharing your own skills and knowledge. Better yet be a connector for them and introduce them to someone who may bring them value.
Building your own personal board of directors takes time and research. You’ll need to be thoughtful and strategic about your approach. Be intentional. With the right members and regular check-ins, your personal board of directors can be a valuable asset in achieving your personal and professional goals.
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