Developing a Personal Board of Directors (PBD) is a no-cost strategy that supports leadership sustainability.  Executive directors and others in leadership positions are often isolated when grappling with the multitude of decisions and actions vying for their limited time and resources. Some issues require generative and strategic thinking, with breadth and depth, all within a short time frame. Do you find yourself thinking through organizational challenges late at night? Are there too many opinions stirring the pot? A PBD exists only to serve your leadership success. They never require meetings or notes. They never have to know who else is on your PBD. They are available spontaneously to engage in dialogue with your agenda.
How do you create a PBD?
-Think of several (at least two) people you trust, and that have skills and insight you find beneficial. Choose people not actively affiliated with your organization.
- Ask them if they would be willing to act as confidential counsel on occasion. They will not be named and have no risk. You are asking for them to think with you, not give prescriptive advice.
- Negotiate an informal contract that includes how often you can contact them (e.g. 15 minute phone conversations no more than two times a month, call before 5pm, for the next six months, etc). You want to respect their volunteer service.
- Keep their phone numbers on speed dial (or at least very handy).
- Renegotiate your agreement when your needs change.
A Personal Board of Directors can save your sanity, preserve your health, buoy your sense of humor, expand your leadership capacity, support your leadership decision-making, and shift your way of thinking.

We know that meeting with colleagues has many benefits : increasing vitality, breaking isolation, exchanging resources, building leadership muscle, defining values, and more.  New Paddling the Rapids groups are being planned for executive directors, board chairs, managers, and emerging leaders.

Curious?  Join us on a conference call to hear our plans, ask your questions, and meet other leaders.  Invite others you think would like to know about these opportunities by forwarding this newsletter. We will be hosting calls monthly.

The next call is:

• Thurs. May 28, 8:30-9:30AM; dial 1-518-825-1300, use code 271884

Email us to reserve a line at info@paddlingtherapids.com

Do you have 18 minutes? Go to TED, Ideas Worth Spreading at
http://www.ted.com/
TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Since then its scope has become ever broader. The annual conference now brings together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes). This site makes the best talks and performances from TED and partners available to the world, for free. More than 400 TEDTalks are now available, with more added each week.  Get inspired!!