There is a simple truth about all of my career decisions and choices over the years. There is no way I would have been able to navigate those seas on my own. I’m not referring to the actual jobs but more about the decisions and paths I have taken throughout the decades.
Aside from family, I am a firm advocate of a personal board of directors. It’s challenging to try to navigate the complexities of life and career by oneself. But just as corporations rely on boards of directors and advisors for guidance and strategic corporate thinking, we, as individuals, can greatly benefit from our own personal board.
Of course, it will be minus the formal meetings in that mahogany-paneled room. This is more about cultivating a personal network of trusted people. People you have come to know who offer diverse perspectives, support, and/or constructive criticism designed to help you achieve your own goals.
Many have already built this group of valued and trusted friends, but perhaps you have yet to realize their true value. Think of your personal board as a dedicated think tank. As you go through the list of people in your head, you’ll begin to realize what each member brings to the table.
They each offer a unique set of experiences, skills, and insights. Their differences will be crucial as they help you see situations from multiple angles, identify potential problems, and make more balanced, well-thought-out decisions.
As Chairman of the Board, what will usually happen next is that you will quickly determine who will be your “lead director.” That will be the one trusted person. The one who not only helps you with their own opinion and advice but also helps parse through all other opinions.
I am willing to bet that by this time, you have a few people in mind and have picked the most valued member. As you go through each person, you’ll begin to see that a true mentor who has excelled in your desired field can offer invaluable career advice, while another friend with strong financial acumen can provide guidance on investment strategies, whether within the same field or not.
That other former colleague or friend with an outstanding creative spark will assist with innovative ideas. While the one with seasoned life experience can help you navigate personal challenges.
The key to creating this personal board of directors is access to objective feedback on various levels. This is what will prevent you from getting stuck on your own perspective and biases. They can offer you what is hopefully an unbiased assessment of your plans and approaches to challenges.
It’s this honest feedback that’ll be essential for growth and course correction, despite how difficult it may be to hear. My board of directors has consistently helped identify my own weaknesses while encouraging me to leverage my own strengths more effectively.
Your personal board also provides a crucial and critical support system. I have never met a person who has shared “the human experience” without being thrown the occasional curveball.
If you have chosen the correct network of advisors who believe in you, they will offer encouragement. Emotional support during tough times, celebrate your successes, and help keep you motivated when the course seems nearly impossible. Your team will also help boost your confidence.
Aside from simple advice, your personal board will help expand your network and open doors to new opportunities. Remember, it’s not just about their analysis. It’s a true network in which each member has their own connections and spheres of influence.
Sharing your own goals and ambitions will very likely open up their networks, potentially leading to introductions or unexpected opportunities you would otherwise never have discovered.
It’s important to understand that constructing this personal board doesn’t happen overnight. You just can’t put all your friends together and expect to garner the best from all. This requires cultivation that starts by identifying those whose opinions you value. Whose experiences are in line with your goals. And who possesses skills or knowledge that are in sync with your own.
If you have yet to consider this, keep in mind that they could come from virtually any area of your life. Including mentors, former employers, colleagues, trusted friends, and family members.
Something many neglect is taking the time to reach out and explain why they value each person and what they’re actually looking for. Be honest and accurate regarding the type of support you’re looking for, whether it’s career advice, personal insights, or simply bouncing new ideas off them.
It’s important to nurture these relationships. Stay in touch, share your progress, and be open to their feedback, but don’t always make it all about you. These are reciprocal relationships. Offer your support and insights in return whenever possible. Each of you thrives on mutual respect, trust, and a genuine desire to see each other succeed.
It’s clear that navigating life and career is a journey that has only become more challenging due to the amount of change we go through. I’ve come to learn that as social creatures, things go better with trusted counsel.
Your board of directors will provide invaluable perspective, honest feedback, crucial support, and expanded networks. By intentionally building and nurturing these relationships, you will certainly become more empowered to make the most informed decisions, overcome challenges with greater resilience, and ultimately achieve your full potential. Like everything else in life – don’t go it alone.
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Bob Lawrence writes weekly columns on radio leadership and business. He most recently served as market manager for MacDonald Broadcasting in Saginaw, Michigan. Throughout his career, Bob has held virtually every position in the business over his 40+ year career, from being on-air in Philadelphia, San Diego, and San Francisco to programming legendary stations including KHTR St. Louis, KITS Hot Hits and KIOI (K101) San Francisco to serving as the head of all programming for Saga Communications and working for the Radio Advertising Bureau. Before landing his current role, Bob helped lead Seven Mountains Media’s cluster in Parkersburg, WV/Marietta, OH. He can be reached by email at BGLawrence@me.com.
Bob also honed his research skills over ten years as Senior VP of Operations at Broadcast Architecture, eventually launching his own research company and serving as President/CEO of Pinnacle Media Worldwide for 15 years. Bob spent five years as VP of Programming for Saga Communications before joining New South Radio in Jackson, Mississippi as GM/Market Manager. Prior to joining Seven Mountains Media, Bob served as General Manager for the Radio Advertising Bureau, overseeing its “National Radio Talent System”.
