Building Your Personal Board of Directors: A Strategic Guide for Women in Corporate

In the corporate world, having a solid support system is crucial for your career. For women navigating the complexities of the professional realm, building a Personal Board of Directors (what we also call a Career Council) can be a game-changer. This strategic move involves curating a group of advisors, mentors, and allies to help guide your career journey. Let's dive into the practical steps to assemble and leverage your Personal Board of Directors for success.

1. Identify Your Goals and Gaps
   Start by identifying your career goals and the areas where you need support. Pinpoint specific skills you want to develop, challenges you aim to overcome, or career milestones you wish to achieve. This clarity will guide you in selecting individuals whose expertise aligns with your objectives.
   
   
2. Diversify Your Board
   Diversity is key when building your Personal Board of Directors. Seek individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Aim for a mix of seasoned professionals who can provide wisdom, peers who understand your current challenges, and mentors who can offer guidance based on their own success stories.
   
   
3. Seek Authentic Connections
   Look for individuals you can build authentic connections with. Authenticity fosters trust and open communication. Your Personal Board of Directors should consist of people who genuinely care about your growth and are invested in your success. These relationships will form the foundation of your support system.
   
   
4. Establish Clear Expectations
   Clearly define your expectations and communicate them to each member of your board. Whether you're seeking advice on specific projects, guidance on career moves, or simply a sounding board for ideas, make sure your advisors understand their role. Establishing clear expectations sets the tone for a mutually beneficial relationship.
   
   
5. Foster Reciprocity
   Building a Personal Board of Directors is not just about what you can gain; it's also about what you can contribute. Foster reciprocity by offering your skills, insights, and support in return. A collaborative exchange of knowledge and resources strengthens the bonds within your board and creates a supportive community.
   
   
6. Schedule Regular Check-Ins
   Consistent communication is vital for the success of your Personal Board of Directors. Schedule regular check-ins with each member, whether through virtual meetings, emails, or coffee sessions. Use this time to discuss your progress, seek advice, and address any challenges you may be facing.
   
   
7. Be Open to Feedback
   Constructive feedback is a cornerstone of professional growth. Encourage your board members to provide honest feedback on your performance, decisions, and strategies. Embrace feedback as a tool for improvement, and use it to refine your skills and enhance your decision-making.
   
   
8. Navigate Challenges Together
   Challenges are inevitable in any career. When facing obstacles, turn to your Personal Board of Directors for guidance. Discussing challenges openly with your advisors allows you to benefit from their collective wisdom and diverse perspectives, helping you navigate rough waters more effectively.
   
   
9. Celebrate Achievements
   Just as it's essential to seek support during challenges, it's equally important to celebrate achievements with your board. Share your successes, big or small, and acknowledge the role each member played in your progress. Celebrating together strengthens the sense of community within your Personal Board of Directors.
   
   
10. Stay Adaptable and Refresh Your Board
    As your career evolves, so should your Personal Board of Directors. Stay adaptable and be open to refreshing your board with new members who can bring fresh insights and experiences. A dynamic and evolving board ensures that you receive relevant guidance at every stage of your professional journey.

Building a Personal Board of Directors is a strategic move that empowers your career journey. By surrounding yourself with a diverse group of advisors, mentors, and allies, you create a support system that propels you toward success. Take the initiative to identify, connect with, and nurture these valuable relationships, and watch how your Personal Board of Directors becomes a driving force in your professional growth.

Get Support - Useful Links

Here at The WIN, we’re here committed to empowering you to build a winning and fulfilling reality—in work & life. Here are some recommended tools and resources to help you:

• 🔗Access our free resources library for tools & resources to help you independently navigate your career and take charge of your development with skill and ease.
  
  
• 💻For further support on how to navigate, develop, and advance your career like a pro—with clarity, passion, & purpose, try our Corporate Career Mastery course.