Assembling Your Personal Board of Advisors

The notion that one mentor can meet all of an individuals developmental needs is often inconceivable. Instead, there are a number of network support roles beyond that of formal mentor. As individuals change roles, occupations, industries or organizations, or relocate to different countries, they need to build a personal board of advisors that fits their careers and their busy lives. The authors' studies of expatriates and Hall of Famers showed that the individuals sought career and psychosocial support from multiple people. Most of the members of these individuals personal boards of advisors played an active role in supporting the individuals career and personal development. However, both the expats and the Hall of Famers also mentioned the importance of people who had passed away but continued to motivate and inspire them. The research identified six types of personal board members: personal guides, personal advisors, full-service mentors, career advisors, career guides and role models.