Personal Advisory Board – Conclusion
In our final installment on having a personal advisory board, we’re going to answer two questions:
- What do you discuss?
- How’s it work?
I’ll answer these questions by offering some ways to maximize your board meetings:
- Always come prepared. I bring the agenda 75% of the time, the board brings the agenda the remaining 25% of the time.
- One board member is the “chairperson.” This person’s role is to meet with me the day before the actual board meeting to go over the agenda. (See, I told you we take this seriously.)
- We meet once every 4 – 6 weeks.
- When I bring the agenda, I usually seek their advice on an idea I’m considering, a leadership challenge or question I’m currently wrestling with, and an item from my personal life with which I want their advice.
- The meeting takes place from 8:15 – 10:00 a.m.
- One of the most important characteristics of a great board member is the ability to ask insightful questions. Who do you know that fits the characteristics of a board member AND who can also ask great questions?
As you can tell, I’m a big believer in having a personal advisory board. If you need some help getting started, don’t hesitate to send me a question via the blog. I’ll get right back to you.
Thanks.
Jeff
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Personal Developmentposted
aug 9, 2009by Buckhead Church
August 9, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Jeff. thanks for taking the time to share your experience with others. very helpful.
i would love to chat offline about some samples of agenda. i realize some of it may be personal but am looking more for general informaton and content versus specific.
August 10, 2009 at 9:54 am
Jeff,
Since you meet with your board once evert 4-6 weeks I’m guessing having someone on the board outside of town is most likely a bad option. My father-in-law is someone I was hoping to “sit in” in this board, but he lives 3 hours away. If he joined in by phone would that be possible?
thanks Jeff
August 13, 2009 at 10:26 pm
I like your idea. But I would rather direct it towards my business. I know larger companies have boards but I am a one man company. What advice do you have for me?
August 18, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Luke — I think it still works. In fact, the smaller the better. I would look for sharp businesspeople who are not in your field. This way, you avoid any competitive discussions. Business principles are transferable to any field, so finding wise people who can speak into you and your business will be a great help.
August 18, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Mike – I think phone calls would work but I would highly recommend tokbox as an option, or skype. They are both free.
August 18, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Nathan – send me your email at jeff.henderson@buckheadchurch.org
February 5, 2010 at 4:40 pm
Jeff,
Thanks so much for putting all of this up. My first Personal Advisory Board meeting is tomorrow and I’m really excited. This is exactly what I’ve needed and am so thankful God has worked all of this out. The Northpoint/Buckhead/Browns Bridge crew continues to inspire our team incredibly! Thank you, thank you, thank you!