Why You May Need a Personal Board of Trustees

Meet Xavier High School in New York City.  Founded by the Jesuits and known as one of the city's better Catholic schools, Xavier's Board of Trustees has been steering the school for decades.  The results have been undeniably positive.

What Xavier represents is small government.  Less big brother and more localized goals.  Goals lead to results.  Just ask Xavier students who go on to be leaders in New York and beyond.

Maybe you need a Board of Trustees too.  Keith Ferrazzi's book, Who's Got Your Back? emphasizes the need to surround yourself with people who can speak wisdom into your life.  They've been there and done that.  And you can too.

I recently went through a tough patch at work.  What kept me positive was my Board.  These informal advisors support me and give me advice.  They are honest, loyal and wise.

What can you do to identify a Board before times get tough?  Here are some suggestions:

  • Write down the names of 3-5 wise people in your life.

  • Make a call, write a note or send an email to ask for their advice on something.

  • Keep in touch with them 2-3 times a year.


It's as simple as that.  Who can you reach out to within the next 24 hours who could be on your Board?