Leadership and life are full of decisions—big and small. Making the “right” choice can feel overwhelming in an era of unlimited information. While Google searches and self-help books have their place, nothing beats the clarity and insight from talking things through with someone else.
That’s where your Personal Advisory Council comes in.
Think of it as your personal dream team—a group of trusted individuals who bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and wisdom to help you navigate life’s complexities. These aren’t just advisors; they’re your sounding board, accountability partners, and biggest cheerleaders.
Why You Need One
- Gain Fresh Perspectives: It’s easy to get stuck in your bubble, seeing challenges from a single angle. But when you consult people with different backgrounds, they can point out opportunities you might overlook or challenge assumptions holding you back.
- Make Better Decisions: When you’re overwhelmed or uncertain, your council can help you weigh your options, spot potential pitfalls, and confidently move forward. Their collective wisdom can help you navigate even the trickiest situations.
- Accountability and Support: Your council isn’t just there to brainstorm ideas—they’ll hold you accountable for your goals. They’ll celebrate your wins, lift you up when things get tough, and remind you why you started in the first place.
- Continuous Growth: The best advisors inspire you to grow. They’ll challenge you to stretch your limits, share resources and ideas, and introduce you to new skills or connections to help you thrive.
- Most importantly, your council will believe in you—even when you doubt yourself. They’ll cheer you on every step of the way.
A Council Without Formal Meetings
Before picturing boardroom meetings or conference calls, let’s clarify: your advisory council doesn’t have to be formal. It might already exist—in your head.
Think about the people you mentally consult when facing a tough choice. Whose advice do you trust? Who do you imagine speaking to when you’re weighing options?
It could be a mentor, a close friend, a family member, or even a colleague. The key is that they know you, understand your goals, and are willing to be honest with you.
How to Build and Strengthen Your Council
- Identify Your Advisors: Take a moment to reflect. Who do you turn to for advice? Write their names down.
- Reach Out: Start talking to them more intentionally. Share your goals and challenges, and tell them how much you value their input.
- Diversify Your Council: Include people with different skills, perspectives, and life experiences. The broader the range of voices, the richer your insights will be.
- Stay Connected: Keep these relationships strong. Whether it’s a quick coffee chat, a call, or an email, nurture the connection.
The Payoff
A personal advisory council isn’t just about making better decisions—it’s about creating a support system that lifts you higher than you could ever go alone. So, take a moment to build yours.