Map Out Your Future With a 'Personal Board of Directors'
Guide your career development with expert help
In an era of rapid technological advancements, staying relevant in your chosen field takes more than professional development. The question is, how do you strategically keep pace with change when, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people now hold an average of 12 jobs in their lifetime? The answer: Thriving professionally takes a village.
At Georgia Tech, nearly half of the Institute’s total student population is comprised of adult learners. These learners understand that it takes a lifetime of learning to keep your skills sharp and your capabilities aligned with shifting market trends, and one way to ensure you make educated decisions is to tap into the knowledge around them, including mentors in the form of superiors, instructors, and classmates or coworkers.
“Intentionally leveraging networking and mentorship throughout one's career, like through a personal board of directors, can be an important component of ongoing growth,” explains Nelson Baker, interim dean of the newly established College of Lifetime Learning. “A personal board of directors is similar to a mentorship but more explicit and broader in its application. Your personal board is a group of people who can help navigate your career and education, offering a mix of experience, talent, and diversity that a single individual can’t match.”
If you are ready to take that step, here are a few practical questions to ask yourself as you begin building your personal board of directors.
- What is my goal?
Board membership should shift and change over time, just like your career goals. If you’re at an early stage of your career and you have your sights set on management, find someone who is at that level. If you’re not sure of your next career steps, find someone who can help you think through your options. And if you don’t want to keep moving up, you need someone who helps you to make sure you stay current.
"Building a personal board of directors doesn’t happen overnight — it starts with relationships," says Chris Gaffney, managing director of the Supply Chain and Logistics Institute. "The most impactful members of your board will be people who already know you and have seen you in action. If you aspire to have someone play this role, first invest in a basic networking relationship, then take deliberate steps to evolve it into a mentor-mentee dynamic. Over time, as trust builds and mutual investment grows, that relationship can naturally develop into a key role on your personal board."
- Who should I select as my board members?
A personal board of directors is more explicit than traditional networking. Don’t be afraid to seek out specific expertise, even if you’ve never met them in person. It doesn’t matter whether your board members are on a different continent or the other side of the country. If they have the skills, connections, and knowledge base you need and are willing, they're suitable.
- How do I approach potential personal board members, especially if I've never met them?
It's important to do your homework before you reach out. You will need to articulate the kind of guidance you're seeking and show how their specific expertise and background can be of benefit to your career.
Chris Carter, professor of the practice and academic program director for Project Management, emphasizes the importance of being intentional and strategic when building your network. He advises, "You should identify three to five sponsors in the field you wish to explore and meet with them quarterly or monthly.”
- Why would anyone want to serve on my personal board of directors? Connecting with other mentors and expanding personal networks is helpful at all stages of a career. For board members, it's a way to give back. You also represent a potential source of talent and opportunity for reverse mentorship.
It is critical, however, to remember the value of the time your board members spend to help you achieve your goals. Be accommodating, work within their schedules, and never take their time for granted. If you show upfront that you're conscious of the value of their time, you're more likely to build a successful professional relationship.
- What kinds of skills should my personal board of directors have? Regardless of the size, ensuring your board has a wide range of expertise and experience allows you to explore new paths and passions. Additionally, your board members don't always have to be more advanced in their careers.
When selecting members, Gaffney notes the importance of bringing together a group who can offer different points of view. "You want people who are in your corner, who will be objective, and who are willing to give you honest feedback — even when it’s tough to hear," he says. "The best personal boards include individuals with perspectives and skills that challenge and elevate your thinking, helping you make better decisions and grow both professionally and personally."
You should also consider at least one board member who can help you overcome self-doubt and encourage you to take bold new steps. This board member needs good insight on who you are as a person and how you operate in day-to-day situations. That might be someone from within your community or your personal life.
Carter recognized the importance of seeking help from his superiors early in his career, stating, “I learned to make a network with SMEs around the country and build relationships. They guided me and helped me avoid impostor syndrome.”
Regardless of industry or profession, our workplaces and our business environments are in a constant state of flux. By surrounding yourself with the right people — individuals who are aligned with your strengths, passions, and challenges — and seeking their guidance, you can position yourself to keep pace with changes in your field and build the skills and capabilities needed to ensure your job security and career development. Be proactive, seek out the best board members for your defined personal goals, and always maintain the attitude of a lifelong learner.
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Contributing Writers: Kat Bell, Maria Guerra
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