personal board of directors

Becoming self-aware and emotionally intelligent is not a task we can achieve by ourselves.

We know that 65% of senior-level women do not currently have a mentor or advisor, but 43% of them wish they did. One way to grow is through a “Personal Board of Directors”; folks that have unique strengths, are self-aware, and emotionally intelligent. A few years ago, I fashioned my board. It was more out of need than being proactive. I found myself in a tough spot in almost every area of my life. The truth is that I don’t like being needy or asking for help, but I was desperate and found that I couldn’t do life by myself.

It was difficult to ask for help and be vulnerable, to listen and TAKE advice. I knew I didn’t have all the answers in the midst of crisis, AND it was tough as beef jerky to ask for help.

I have learned to be gut wrenchingly honest and have listened to my board say, “(gasp), you did WHAT?!!!” Then they counseled me to change my mind and my actions in good and right directions.

It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I created a personality diverse and strength-rich board: leaders in their industry who helped me with my finances, mentors who guided me with parenting, spiritual directors who listened and advised, therapists with expertise in co-dependence and boundaries, colleagues and partners wise in their niche and offered perspective at work, and many good and wise board members who were available at any time of day to listen and empathize with my situation.

Don’t wait for a crisis to gather your board. And add a coach to your table!