Why You Need a Personal Board of Directors

Do you have a Board of Directors?

No, I’m not talking about a Board of Directors that provides organizational oversight for a corporation. I’m talking about you personally. Do YOU have a Board of Directors?

Allow me to step back and serve up some context for the question…

The other night as I was sitting in a circle of Kingdom-minded leaders whom I have the unbelievable privilege to disciple, I found myself responding to a question about my non-profit ministry Lead With Your Life. In my comments about the mission and organization of this 501c3, I referenced my Board of Directors, describing them as leaders who give focus to the fiduciary responsibilities that attend such an entity. But from there, I started talking about my Board of Directors as leaders who believe in God’s call on my life and surround me with wise counsel and never-ending encouragement. They are a gift to me beyond measure.

From there, I posed the question: “What would it be like if each of us had our own Board of Directors?”

Can you imagine at pivotal crossroads of your life being surrounded by a group of people who are both with you and for you? People who convene for the expressed purpose of offering their advice and insights about the overall trajectory of your life and leadership?

The more I think about it, to have a Board of Directors is to make a statement. A bold statement. At the very minimum, you are declaring two things.

First, you are declaring, “I’m going somewhere.” You see, people don’t form a Board of Directors to seek advice about what car to lease or how to break 80 at the local golf course. People round up a Board of Directors because they want to make something happen. Something significant. Something big.

And second, you are declaring, “I need help.” It’s an admission that you have a limited bank account of wisdom as you seek to discern God’s purposes and pathways for your life. You need the perspectives and input of others, drawing deeply—as Solomon would advise—on “the wisdom of many counselors”. You need another set of eyes and ears to determine not just ultimate outcomes, but prudent next steps.

As a leader, you need another set of eyes and ears to determine not just ultimate outcomes, but prudent next steps.

So what do you think?

I bet if you set up a couple phone calls with a handful of friends and pitched them this idea, you’d have your Board of Directors up and running in no time.

And more importantly, you’d be reaping the benefits.