Home

Personal Board of Directors

Nobody’s perfect. And nobody is a better example of the fact that nobody’s perfect than me.

One thing I think I’ve learned in my half-century on this earth is that many things you think you know you in fact don’t. Decisions that seem straightforward could become, with one slight complication pointed out by another, far less clear - and the inverse could be true too. In short, we all need help.

Here’s an idea I fancy that I came across as I was reading an interview in a business magazine. A copy of it is here at “Retailer of the Year: Barry Beck, Founder and COO, Bluemercury”. The interviewee, a business entrepreneur, says “everybody should have their own personal board of directors, not just for work, but for their personal lives as well.”

This is a highly intriguing concept. To sharpen your perspective and better your own decision-making, hold board meetings (of a sort) individually with those who are in a position to - and have a history of being able to - “guide you with the proper prospective,” as the interviewee goes on to say.

We all make choices and most of us believe we make the best ones most of the time…but how do we know? What perspective - what direction - can your personal board of directors (be they spouse, friends, family or trusted colleague) provide that will enable your decisions to be more fruitful?

I love the idea of being CEO of one’s own BoD - and the best part is they can’t fire you!