The Trust

We require both feedback and accountability, along with clear goals and outcomes to strive for and attain.

Regardless of how things may appear, no person gets to a state of achievement without help. We are both dependent and interdependent on each other.

We are also responsible for our behavior, our actions, and our lives.

We are our own CEO!

As the CEO, we may need a “board” to help us.

Who is this board?

Why do we need one?

Life’s journey is a complex tapestry, woven with the threads of diverse experiences. In this intricate weave, a circle of trust, our ‘trusted circle’, forms the warp and weft. These are the individuals who have earned our trust, respect, and admiration. They are our personal and professional advisors, offering us a kaleidoscope of perspectives, constructive feedback, and the support we need as we navigate through life’s labyrinth.

The essence of having a trusted circle is to help us chart our course through life’s complexities. They are our compass, our lighthouse, and sometimes, our anchor. They are indispensable, not because life is a game, but because life is a rich and beautiful journey that flourishes with shared wisdom and mutual support.

This trusted circle lays the foundation for what we call a personal ‘board’. As we evolve, so does our ‘board’, reflecting the dynamic nature of our journey. As we continue to grow, we need different kinds of advice and feedback. Our board members change, and our board evolves just as we do.

Why Do You Need a Personal “Board”?

Imagine your life as a corporation. You are the CEO, and your personal “board” is your board of directors. These are the people who provide you with advice, guidance, and support as you navigate through different phases of your life. They are your sounding board, your cheerleaders, and sometimes, your reality check.

Who Should Be On Your “Board”?

Your personal “board” should be a diverse group of individuals who bring different perspectives and experiences to the table. It could include mentors, family members, friends, colleagues, or even authors and thought leaders who inspire you. The key is to choose individuals who challenge you, support you, and help you grow.

How to Build Your Personal “Board”?

1. Identify Your Needs: Start by identifying the areas in your life where you need guidance or support. It could be career advancement, work-life balance, personal growth, or even specific skills like public speaking or financial planning.
2. Find Your Board Members: Look for individuals who have expertise or experience in these areas. Reach out to them and express your desire to learn from them. Remember, this is not a formal process, and these relationships can be as casual or formal as you want them to be.
3. Engage Regularly: Regular interaction is key to maintaining these relationships. It could be a monthly coffee chat, a quarterly catch-up, or even an annual retreat. Find what works best for you and your board members.
4. Give Back: Remember, these relationships should be mutually beneficial. Find ways to give back to your board members. It could be by sharing your own experiences, providing them with a fresh perspective, or helping them in their own endeavors.

Building your personal “board” is a continuous and evolving process. As you grow and your needs change, your “board” will also evolve.

Board Members

1. Mentors: These are individuals who have experience and knowledge in areas that you’re interested in. They can provide guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate challenges. They’re usually people who are further along in their career or life journey.
2. Peers: These are individuals who are at the same stage as you in their career or life journey. They can provide a relatable perspective, share similar experiences, and offer mutual support as you both navigate similar challenges.
3. Role Models: These are individuals who embody the values, achievements, or characteristics that you aspire to. They may be people you don’t know personally, but you admire from afar. Their life or career can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for you.
4. Sponsors: These are individuals who can advocate for you in spaces and conversations you’re not in. They’re usually people who have influence and can open doors for you in your career or life journey.
5. Critics: These are individuals who can provide you with constructive feedback. They’re not there to bring you down, but to challenge you and help you grow. They can see your blind spots and provide a different perspective that you might not have considered.
6. Fans: These are individuals who believe in you and your potential. They’re your cheerleaders who will encourage you and celebrate your wins. They can provide emotional support and boost your confidence.

Remember, the key is to have a diverse board that can provide different perspectives and support in various aspects of your life. Each board member plays a unique role and brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. It’s also important to remember that the relationship should be mutually beneficial.

One of my board members asks, “how do you get an author to be on your board”?

Years ago, I read a book from a popular author of the time about technical services and the evolution of process and technology. I contacted him through email and when our company wanted training, I asked for his help. At my request, he came to visit my company and offered his thoughts on emerging trends, technologies and methodologies to help us along the way. As he was leaving, he mentioned that he was “on his way to Vegas” for a speaking engagement. I joked that he could put me in his luggage. As he was leaving, he offered me a ticket to the event in Vegas that he was speaking at but had no interest in attending. The ticket was expensive, and I asked my boss if I could go to the event. Since the only thing I needed to cover was room and travel, they approved the trip. Once I found out I could go, I messaged him for the ticket. We met at the event, and not long after, we started speaking regularly. Eventually, I became a certified trainer for his company! I traveled around Europe and Canada during PTO to train people in this methodology. I have multiple examples of reaching out to authors and learning from them. My philosophy is “ya never know.”

The Straight Dope

The company is not doing well, decisions made caused major issues. The people aren’t happy, the company is failing. In the corporate world, we can be “released” for poor performance. In our personal lives, we can suffer, loss, hardship and difficulties but we can’t escape our responsibility to ourselves. The notion of a personal board is a frame to help think through ways to engage with people with the purpose of helping ourselves. Sometimes, we need a fundamental change of behavior. This change comes from our own willingness and desire to help ourselves. No person will get us to where we need to be without our own investment and involvement in our objective outcome.

If your objective is to become a great guitar player. The best teachers, musicians and performers can show you what to do, they can criticize your work and celebrate your achievements, but they can’t play the guitar for you. As we consider this idea, please remember, at the end of the day, you are solely responsible for your actions. It is up to you to listen, learn, adapt and take steps towards your goals.

If you choose to build a board, I wish you good luck and remember to make sure that you have a balance of different people to help you!