Ten Top Things to Look For in a CEO-to-CEO Discussion Group

Almost every day, on one of my recruiting calls, I get asked why anyone would want to join Innovators Alliance, or any other similar group for that matter. Here is a list of the ten most compelling reasons for joining a peer -to-peer advisory group. Remember, the operative words here are peer-to-peer, not coach-to-peer or even facilitator-to-peer. CEOs will learn best from each other.

Ten Top Things to Look For in a CEO-to-CEO Discussion Group
1. Quicker, smarter. You can move up a curve more quickly, more intelligently, and less painfully with the support of CEOs who have done it before you.
2. Save time, energy AND money. Learn how to quickly find solutions for your greatest challenges, improve the decision-making process to arrive at more informed decisions, in order to avoid mistakes and reduce risk. Save time, energy and, most importantly, money by avoiding mistakes experienced by others.
3. Hungry like the wolf. Pragmatic and profitable growth, both business and personal is the focus of each meeting. Learn how not to follow the leader from free thinkers who are experiencing the same things that you are.
4. Speed implementation. Solve your toughest mission-critical business problems by focusing on key strategic issues, reviewing best practices to weed out bad ideas, avoid false starts and speed implementation.
5. It’s lonely at the top. Peer groups (Chapters) create a safe environment to express frustration, challenges and feelings that CEOs/Presidents may not be comfortable sharing in their workplace or business network.
6. Empowerment. Each peer group (Chapter) is based on the premise that the collective experience and resources of a 10-member Chapter meeting empowers its like-minded executives to solve their challenges more effectively than they would on their own.
7. Forward thinking. There’s nothing like participating in an open, honest two-way discussion about your business with a room full of high performing, exclusive CEOs. You need more than a cheque to become a member.
8. Accountability. Be sure that your peer group holds you accountable by following-up with you on your self-imposed milestones.
9. Privacy. Confidentiality agreements need to be signed to give each member a sense of security so they may be open to share freely. Privacy is critical.
10. Facilitation not participation. Each peer group (Chapter) has a highly trained and skilled facilitator that is able to reframe interactions within the group, to help you get the desired answer you are looking for. Be sure that facilitators facilitate as opposed to participate.

Finally, you need to ask yourself, am I a leader or follower, it would be nice to know that the organization’s efforts are all directed to/at you and your peers; not the promotion of the next book or CD/DVD set, not the next learning academy, not the next great management system nor a fabulous golf getaway. Don’t misunderstand me, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with profit, it can however make you question the motivation of those who you should trust.