Personal Advisory Boards: Building Your Career Dream Team

Published on February 1, 2024

by Rachel Norton

Have you ever dreamed of having a team of experts who can guide you in your career journey? A group of trusted advisors who will provide you with valuable insights, knowledge, and support? Well, say hello to Personal Advisory Boards. This rising trend is changing the game for professionals of all levels. Gone are the days of navigating your career path alone. With Personal Advisory Boards, you have a team of experts on your side, helping you achieve your career goals and dreams. In this article, we’ll dive into the concept of Personal Advisory Boards and how to build your own career dream team. Let’s get started!Personal Advisory Boards: Building Your Career Dream Team

What are Personal Advisory Boards?

A Personal Advisory Board (PAB) is a small group of individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise who offer guidance, support, and advice to an individual in their career. Think of it as your own personal board of directors. They help you navigate the complexities of your career, provide you with fresh perspectives and insights, and hold you accountable for your goals. PABs are not just limited to high-level executives; they can be beneficial for professionals at any stage of their career, from entry-level employees to senior-level managers.

Why are Personal Advisory Boards important?

The main purpose of a Personal Advisory Board is to help you achieve your career goals. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, which can be incredibly valuable for your professional growth. Members of your PAB can provide you with industry insights, help you identify weaknesses in your skill set, and offer guidance and mentorship. They can also act as a sounding board for your ideas and provide you with honest feedback. Having a PAB also holds you accountable for your career goals, as you have a group of people who are invested in your success.

How do you build your own career dream team?

Building your Personal Advisory Board is a strategic process that requires careful consideration and planning. Here are some steps to help you create your career dream team:

Identify your career goals

The first step in building your PAB is to identify your career goals. What do you want to achieve in your professional life? Do you want to climb the corporate ladder, become an industry expert, or start your own business? Once you have a clear understanding of your career goals, you can start to identify the individuals who can help you achieve them.

Choose your board members

Your Personal Advisory Board should consist of individuals from diverse backgrounds and expertise. Look for people who have achieved success in areas that align with your career goals. It could be a former boss, a mentor, a colleague, or even someone you admire in your industry. Consider their experience, knowledge, and willingness to commit to being part of your PAB. It’s also essential to choose people who have a different perspective and are not afraid to challenge you.

Meet regularly

Once you’ve finalized your PAB members, it’s crucial to set up regular meetings. Depending on your goals and schedules, these meetings can be monthly, quarterly, or even bi-annual. These meetings should be structured, and each member should be given a set amount of time to share their insights and advice. It’s also helpful to have an agenda for each meeting to ensure it stays focused and productive.

Be open and honest

Your relationship with your PAB should be built on transparency and honesty. Be open about your career goals, challenges, and areas where you need help. It’s also essential to listen to their feedback and advice without being defensive. Remember, they all have your best interest at heart.

Nurture your relationships

Your Personal Advisory Board should not be treated as a one-way street. It’s crucial to foster and maintain these relationships outside of the regular meetings. You can invite them for a casual catch-up, seek their advice on specific issues, or even offer your help if they need it. Building a strong relationship with your PAB is key to its success.

The bottom line

Having a Personal Advisory Board is like having your own personal career cheerleaders. They provide you with the guidance, support, and accountability that will help you reach your career goals. Building and maintaining this team takes time and effort, but the results are worth it. So, start identifying your career goals and potential PAB members, and take your career to the next level!