Create your leadership support network
The Insight:
Leadership can be isolating, especially when you're the only manager on your team or new to the role. You're making decisions that affect people's careers and livelihoods, often without a clear playbook.
A personal board of directors: a curated group of 4-6 people who provide different perspectives becomes your secret weapon for better decision-making and faster growth. Unlike casual mentorship, this is intentional: each person fills a specific role in your development.
The best leaders don't go it alone; they systematically surround themselves with wisdom.
The Tool: Advisory Circle
4 steps to try now
01.
Map Your Needs
Identify
Identify 4-5 distinct roles:
The Challenger
(questions your assumptions),
The Connector
(makes introductions),
The Coach
(helps with people challenges),
The Industry Expert
(understands your sector),
The Sponsor
(advocates for you).
Write down what specific guidance you need from each role. This ensures you're getting diverse perspectives.
02.
Audit Your Network
Map
List 15-20 people you respect professionally: former bosses, colleagues, industry contacts, even friends with leadership experience.
Map them against your needed roles. Who naturally challenges you? Who has deep industry knowledge? Who understands organisational politics?
You probably already know most of your board members; you just haven't organised them intentionally. Identify gaps where you need to build new relationships.
03.
Ask Strategically
Request
Don't ask someone to be your 'mentor', ask for something specific.
Example: "I'm navigating my first year as a manager and really value your perspective on building team culture. Would you be open to a 30-minute coffee quarterly where I could get your thoughts on specific challenges?"
Be clear about the time commitment (usually 30-60 minutes quarterly) and what you hope to learn from them specifically.
04.
Manage Your Board
Evaluate
Send a quarterly update email to your board with 2-3 specific challenges you're facing and 1-2 wins to celebrate.
Before reaching out individually, ask yourself: "What's the best question for this person given their expertise?" Keep a running note of insights from each advisor.
After 6 months, evaluate: who's providing the most value? Where do you need different perspectives? Boards evolve as you grow.
Why it works
Multiple perspectives prevent blind spots and bad decisions. Regular advisor contact accelerates learning through concentrated wisdom and experience.
Use it when
You're facing complex decisions, feeling stuck in your growth, or need to expand your perspective beyond your immediate environment.
Bonus tip
Always update your board on previous advice outcomes. This closes the feedback loop and makes them more invested in your success.
