Many highly motivated leaders report a sense of isolation once
they have moved into a principal leadership role. They are consumed with their
daily challenges, concerned about setting the right tone, and unsure whether
they are implementing best practices. They have a desire to connect in a place of safety and respect with others
in similar roles to air out the issues they face. While the formal structure in which leaders work
often provides some support for the tactical issues of their jobs, there is
little opportunity to explore their unique situation at a whole life level and
to reconcile the idealism with which they entered their chosen profession to
the harsh climate they often face on a daily basis. Forum provides a solution
to these needs.
Call it a “circle”, a “kitchen cabinet”, or even a “tribe” and you’ll get to
about the same place… a small group of professional peers, committed to
engaging together through the rough and tumble realities of life. Forum is a
perfect expression of community used by leaders and business professionals
throughout the world. A number of international organizations use forum as a
tool for strengthening the membership experience, including the Young
Presidents’ Organization, World Presidents’ Organization, the Entrepreneurs’
Organization and others.
Forums are composed of 7-9 individuals with an affinity to one another but no
conflict of interest. Members in each forum are typically “level-alike” ranging
in tenure and diversity as to the enterprises they lead. What they have in
common is that they are all talented, educated and have an intense desire to rise as leaders.
Forums meet monthly in a prescribed format (virtual or live) and give members
an opportunity to share in a confidential and safe environment their
frustrations, challenges, and successes. In doing so they learn from the
similar experiences of other members and regain focus towards the lessons of
leadership and personal growth that they have learned throughout their
careers. Most virtual forums meet up once or twice per year for
experiential learning, connection, and fun, while most live forums typically
plan an annual retreat.
All people belong to multiple communities and groups: extended families, work
teams, faith congregations, sports teams, neighborhoods, towns, cities, and
countries. And, while most people have professional support networks that
include peers, supervisors, subordinates and many others, as a principal
leader there is often no peer, supervisor, or subordinate to turn to. Forum
then becomes a unique and special place to bring the issues in the workplace
and in life that do not have a home elsewhere… the highest highs and the lowest
lows.
The Benefits
Belonging to a forum of highly motivated peers calls each member to an even
higher level of performance. Forum members report a sense of community and
connection as a result of their participation, as well as growth in their
professional leadership and communication skills. In addition, forum provides
members a valued venue for gaining clarity and often solving business and
personal life issues. As leaders engage at a high level of authenticity within
their forum, the skills and benefits transfer into other areas of their lives
as evidenced by a more fun and fulfilling environment at work and at home.
My Work With Forums
I have trained, launched, coached and facilitated several hundred peer forums
through YPO, EO, YPO Gold, Executive RoundTable, The Principals' Forum as well
as independent groups. I also work with social sector and rising leader
forums in my role as CEO of Redwood Leadership Recreation Laboratory.
More about that at www.reclab.org.
About Forum
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