Board Member Tips & Best Practices

Are you a member of someone's Personal Advisory Board, or are you considering joining one?

Being a personal advisory board member can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, as you have the opportunity to help someone achieve their personal and professional goals. However, it's important to understand what it takes to be an effective board member. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips for being an effective personal advisory board member. Whether you're new to the role or have been serving as a board member for some time, these tips will help you make a positive impact on the person you are advising and support their growth and development.

Set Clear Boundaries

Some Board members may encourage frequent texting, emails, and additional meetings, while others may be terribly busy and only able to participate in the two agreed-upon meetings per quarter.

Whatever your preference is, make it clear as soon as possible to avoid any confusion.

Communicate & Listen

Your Board organizer/mentee should ultimately oversee their own career path. You help them achieve whatever it is they want to achieve. Try not to inject too much of your own desires or opinions into their plan. Ask them about their aspirations as well as their expectations of you.

It is important to relate to your Board organizer and understand their perspective and feelings. If they are having a bad day, you should pick up on their energy and work to help them through it.

Make Feedback Constructive & Actionable

While you don't want to judge or offend your Board organizer, you shouldn't filter your feedback to avoid hurting them, either. There is a way to deliver criticism without breaking their confidence.

The key to giving “actionable feedback” is to be specific. Feedback becomes actionable only if there are examples of what was done well or what could be done differently in the future.

No Highlight Reels

While it is important to provide details regarding your personal/professional successes, it may be even more important that you tell the stories of shortcomings, failed attempts, and disappointments on your journey.

Your Board organizer made a difficult decision to be vulnerable, acknowledging that they need some assistance on their journey, and it would be reassuring to know that you have made a few mistakes yourself.

Leverage Your Network When Possible

Your Board organizer has a network of their own, but one of the benefits of a Personal Advisory Board is that it serves as an extension of it. Keep an eye/ear out for job openings, networking opportunities, and anything else that will help your Board organizer to accomplish their personal goals.

Showing Up is More Than Half the Battle

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE AN EXPERT! Many Board organizers have a fairly good idea of what is required to accomplish their goals but could use a soundboard for their game plan.

If you commit to being on a Board, make sure you show up to meetings (even if just to provide support and encouragement) and deliver on any promises you make. 

By applying these tips in your role as a personal advisory board member, you can help the person you are advising achieve their goals and reach their full potential. Remember, serving as a personal advisory board member is not only a way to support someone else, but also an opportunity to grow and learn from the experience. Thank you for considering these tips, and we wish you success in your role as a personal advisory board member.