Chris Bonham, Inc
“You Need a Personal Board of Directors”
Jim Collins made this concept famous in his 1996 article, Looking Out for Number One. He wrote that a personal board of directors is composed of "seven people you deeply respect and would not want to let down — a group like a set of tribal elders that you turn to for guidance at times of ethical dilemma, life transitions, and difficult choices, people who embody the core values and standards you aspire to live up to." I heard him deliver a speech on this in the late 1990s, and that simple sentence became a brick in my foundation.
The overall concept is simple and powerful. Imagine your life is a business — in my case, Chris Bonham, Inc. I would do all the right things to make my business succeed. I would build a good brand that people recognize and value positively. I would make sure my product — my words, actions, and deliverables — is of the highest quality and makes the greatest impact on others. I would build solid relationships with my customers (the people and organizations in my life) so they keep coming back. I would do real research and analysis on how to grow and be more effective. I would ask my customers for honest feedback on what's working and what isn't. And I would keep my facilities and faculties — body and brain — clean, healthy, and inviting. We'd all do that to keep our "business" alive and thriving.
But Collins' question isn't who runs the business — who's the CEO, the Chairman. It's this: who speaks into that CEO's life? Who does the CEO turn to when they have a question? Who brings wisdom and experience when the CEO has never faced something before? Who listens and creates a safe place to try a new idea without laughing when it's silly? Who calls them out and holds them accountable when they're crossing a line? This group doesn't make the final decision — the Chairman does. But a secure Chairman invites the board to speak into the events, conversations, and choices that will shape the success of the business.
My board has evolved over the years. The great news is that you get to pick your own board — and the roles on it — based on the season of life you're in today. Here's a brief rundown of some of the roles that have been on my board, at one time or another:
Spiritual Advisor — Even pastors need someone who helps them unpack the Word of God and hear His voice. I've been blessed with great individuals over the years who help me understand God better.
Financial Advisor — I want to be a good steward of the finances God has blessed Kristin and me with in our "business." Someone gifted in finances saves us from a lot of mistakes and helps us build a solid future.
Marriage Advisor — We've both benefited from different couples we seek insight from to grow our marriage. It's the most significant relationship I have — of course I'd want someone coaching me on that.
Parenting Advisor — When our kids lived at home, we needed someone to help us navigate every part of parenting. Even as empty nesters, we're still learning what it means to be a parent.
Physical Advisor — If I only get this one body for my life, I want someone helping me navigate the best use, maintenance, and care for it.
Relationship Advisor — My life is full of relationships of every kind, and I need insight on how to navigate them so people feel valued, heard, and seen.
Leadership Advisor — I want my leadership to empower others and help them take their next step. I want someone speaking into this and holding me accountable to lead well.
This isn't an exhaustive list — it's just mine. Each person needs to build their own. Then ask that person to be that voice in your life: "I am asking you to be my ______ Advisor. I will ask you to speak your wisdom, insight, and experience into my life and hold me accountable to bring excellence in this area." If they accept, set up regular conversations that allow real, two-way dialogue about that area. You'll need to be honest and vulnerable to get the best results. And that role — or that person — doesn't have to be on your board for a lifetime. We all have seasons where a role or a person is exactly what our growth needs. When it's no longer useful, thank them for their commitment and move toward someone new.
What do you value your "business" at right now? No business was created to maintain its starting position.
Take some time to determine what roles need to be on your personal board.
It's time to grow the business.
