by Kevin
This is not a jaw-dropping revelation (hopefully), but I believe it is important to gather thoughtful—and thorough—feedback before making any significant decisions in my life. However, looking back over the past twenty years has resulted in mixed reviews for my advisers. Maybe you have experienced similar results? So, what’s the problem?
What I have learned over those years is that I should have put in more effort to identify and recruit my advisers. Yes, recruit, as in “to secure the services of someone” (while offering no pay, I would cheaply add). Generally, here is our job post, looking for an adviser we rely on to help us lead our lives:
“I am an undecided young professional looking for a well-meaning individual who has achieved some semblance of success and is willing to spare a few minutes of their day. No trust or prior relationship required. Agreeable, or nonchalant, personality preferred. Not looking to be challenged.”
Although you may not be intentionally looking for this individual (and have not explicitly submitted a job posting), this describes generally who we find. Rather than grabbing the first person with a few available minutes, perhaps we should spend a little more time vetting the advice?
Here are some questions to consider when identifying a board member: do they care about your development? Are they willing to invest the time in you? What have they achieved in their life? Are you comfortable covering all of the important aspects of life with this board: career, relationship, spiritual, health and finance? Are they currently doing something that inspires you to grow?
Once you have narrowed down your list (I recommend 3-4 advisors on your board), it is time to make a connection with your potential board members.
by Adam
Maybe I’m projecting my own weaknesses, but I think this topic can be much more challenging than it first appears. Think about the stakes! Sure, we’ve laid out several important steps along the mentorship path for you. But, in my view, this is where the rubber meets the road!
What do I mean?
Well, inherent in what we’ve been revealing is that we--both Kevin and I-- think you (and ourselves) are never going to be perfect at:
Making decisions
Evaluating yourself
Articulating your goals and values
Predicting the future
...and the list goes on… and on… and on…
Because of that, your “board of advisors” is the only real feedback mechanism you have. They are the guardrails on your journey. The trusted advisors that can (hopefully) help you prevent the worst decisions you may be prone to make on your own, or identify the most egregious oversights you make in your self-evaluations.
So, think hard about these people! They need to be the kind of people that know you well. That are willing and able to give you honest feedback. That have a genuine interest in your well being, and your achievement of your own version of success. And, ideally, they would each have a somewhat (or very) different perspective and set of life experiences to bring to bear.
So, what are you waiting for? Go build your board! Install the guardrails!