Personal Board of Directors: Guiding Your Professional & Personal Journey

By Corinne Mossman

Recently this topic of a ‘personal board of directors’ has come up more than once so I decided to dig in and figure out what that meant. A strong support system is essential for personal and professional growth. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who challenge us, think innovatively, and bring out our best selves empowers us to excel in our careers. Creating a personal board of directors enhances this support – they’ll be there to guide you, give advice, hold you accountable, and even to just listen. I realized I already had my own personal board of directors but didn’t know what to call them. I couldn’t do life without the support of these wonderful people and I’m grateful every day they have made their way into my life. Here are some themes and attributes I have found helpful in my group:

We Embrace Diversity:

Connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and thought perspectives to gain fresh insights and foster innovation.

We Value Constructive Feedback:

Seek supporters who provide honest feedback to help you identify blind spots, refine skills, and improve.

We Foster Mentorship:

Find mentors who have achieved success or possess desired skills to guide you through challenges and seize opportunities.

We Emphasize Collaboration:

Build relationships based on trust, fostering collaboration to exchange ideas and enhance creativity.

We Are Creative:

All of us are in different fields but we think outside of the box to apply what we know to different situations to help each other.

We Cultivate Positivity:

Surround yourself with positive individuals who inspire growth and resilience.

By building a professional network and creating a personal board of directors you gain valuable guidance and support on your professional journey. With the collective wisdom of your personal board, you can navigate challenges, think innovatively, and achieve success in your career.