Wouldn’t it be great if we could gain the knowledge and experience we need to address our career and employment challenges, needs, and issues from our dreams. During our dreams, we could try different courses of action and “experience” the benefits or “suffer” the consequences. We could wake up in the morning saying “I learned a lot last night. I’m glad that was a dream”. It would be even better if we could “schedule” our dreams to focus on whatever we are experiencing. It would be like having dreams on demand. Now, let’s talk reality.
Let’s focus on a way that we can venture beyond the limits of our experience to gain the knowledge that can help us manage our careers. There is a model for going beyond the limits. The model to which I am referring is the Corporate Board of Directors. Board members are experienced individuals and experts who bring knowledge, ideas, and perspectives that expand the limits of a company’s knowledge to address its challenges and issues.
If the largest corporations in the world endowed with very intelligent officers and employees have boards of directors, why can’t you?
Why rely on “trial and error” to make career decisions? Why not tap into the knowledge and experience of individuals who have taken the journey you are about to take? Why deal with the unknown when you can access the known?
I recommend the following steps for establishing a personal board of directors.
- Identify and describe the challenges and issues you need to address.
- Prioritize the challenges and issues.
- Define the type of assistance you need.
- Establish profiles for recruiting members of your board.
- Recruit your board members.
Two things I would thing I would like you to consider as you recruit your board members. First, people like to help other people. It is a human trait. Asking a member of the management or executive team of your company taps into this human trait. By asking these individuals to be a member of your personal board, you are also inviting them to be a partner in the management of your career. People tend to support endeavors in which they are involved. A personal board member can become a personal supporter and advocate. That’s not too shabby.
Do you have a personal board of directors?
What has been your experience with your board?
Was there a time in your career that you wish you had a board to advise you?
What traits would you seek in a member of your board?
Who is the one person you would like to have on your board?