Being a leader can be lonely.
Have you ever thought about how powerful it might be to have your own personal board?
This is an opportunity for you to hand pick a group of people whose experience, outlook, temperament, are different to your own and can offer a fresh perspective.
Think of the people that you have known during your career that you have turned to when in need of advice and support. What was their unique superpower that you particularly valued?
Who do you know who really gets you, is emotionally intelligent, has your best interests at heart but is not afraid to tell you what they really think and to challenge you?
What skills do you want to develop, or situations do you need support with?
Pick a range of people. For example, someone who’s known you for a long time, a person you admire professionally, a peer in a similar industry, a subject matter expert in an area that you want to know more about, an expert networker or someone from a different background.
It’s up to you whether you tell them that you have selected them to be part of your personal board or not. The group doesn’t need to meet collectively like a formal board – that might be a little overwhelming!
Do consider having a coach on your board. Unlike the other members, they won’t give you advice, but they will hold you in unconditional positive regard, help you have new insights into your own situation and hold you accountable.
Indeed, you might find it helpful to engage a coach to help you figure out your longer-term goals and aspirations, and what skillsets you want that complement your own to help you form your personal board.