Who’s on Your Board of Directors? A Fun Exercise for Better Decision-Making
Making decisions can be challenging, especially when you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed. Sometimes, all we need is a fresh perspective to clarify our thoughts and move forward with confidence. That’s where this unique and fun exercise comes in: imagining your own personal Board of Directors.
Creating Your Board of Directors
Start by imagining walking into a room with a large table at the center. Seated around the table are your chosen advisors—your Board of Directors. Here’s the fun part: these individuals can be anyone you like. They could be real people you admire, fictional characters, historical figures, or even someone from your personal life. It doesn’t matter if they’re alive or not. The key is to choose people who inspire you or whose perspectives you value.
Take a moment to think about who would be at your table. Is it a mix of entrepreneurs like Richard Branson or Oprah Winfrey? Creative icons like Taylor Swift? Maybe it’s a mentor, a family member, or even a fictional character who embodies the qualities you admire. The possibilities are endless.
How It Works
Once you’ve assembled your imaginary board, consider the decision you’re struggling with. For each member of your board, ask yourself:
What advice would they give you?
How might they approach this situation?
What unique perspective or wisdom might they offer?
For example, if Richard Branson were on your board, he might encourage you to take bold risks. Taylor Swift might suggest trusting your creative instincts, while a trusted mentor could remind you to stick to your values. The goal is to view your situation through multiple lenses, helping you see options you may not have considered before.
Why This Exercise Works
This exercise works because it shifts your perspective and taps into your intuition. Often, we already have an idea of what decision to make, but we get stuck overthinking or doubting ourselves. Imagining advice from someone you respect can help clarify your thoughts and validate your instincts.
Additionally, this exercise brings a sense of playfulness to the decision-making process. By involving figures you admire, you can take some of the pressure off and approach the situation with curiosity rather than fear.
Final Thoughts
The next time you’re facing a tough decision, take a few minutes to assemble your Board of Directors. Visualize them sitting around the table, ready to guide and support you. Listen to what they might say and use their imagined advice to inform your next steps.
Who would you choose for your board? Take a moment to think about it, and give this exercise a try. You might be surprised at how much clarity and confidence it brings to your decision-making process.