Whenever we face times of uncertainty and ambiguity life and business can seem more challenging. Yet. we also tend to let go of our resistance to learning and become more open to the advice and support of others.  One of the biggest challenges to innovation and success are when the ego fortifies itself from being in a learning mode.  This can manifest in a number of ways:

• The need to be right
• The need to tell rather than ask
• The false perception that we are masterful in all things and there is nothing left to learn.
• The confusion that because we are successful in one domain – that it guarantees success in other domains in business and life.

Yet, because of today’s environment I am finding executives and business owners far less entrenched in these “enemies of learning.”   This is because they realize it will take more than their own experience and knowledge to maximize their business success in today’s Topsy Tervy business world.  Many of us in the executive and CEO development business have not seen the drop in business experienced in past recessions.  In fact, many have seen an increase in their business because during these times – tried and true principles of success still work.  Yet, another emerging trend is the rise of executive and CEO peer groups.

Besides a seasoned executive coach or business advisor – there is no better advisor to a CEO other than a group of other CEOs who are working on similar opportunities and challenges.  A well facilitated CEO peer group emphasizes this type of support with the added benefit of having a seasoned CEO Advisor/Coach facilitating the sessions.  The program format is rather simple yet the outcomes for those who participate can mean millions in additional profits and add velocity towards the fulfillment of a growth plan.

The best CEO or Executive Peer Groups are:

• Local – allowing the members to form deep relationships with fellow CEOs in their area.
• Facilitated by a seasoned facilitator - this allows participants to sharpen their focus on business issues and not worry about format or process.
• Confidential and Based on the Member’s Most Important Issues - this provides an opportunity for the members to breach issues that they can not work with or reveal to others.
• Oriented to a particular membership population that brings the most like minded executives together with others dealing with a similar revenue and organizational structure.
• Provides some sort of educational component that supports the CEOs in having more effective dialogue around their opportunities and issues.
• Consistent and regularly scheduled so that momentum is built and the members feel even more accountable to each other.

Almost without exception members of such peer groups say the return on investment far outweights the time and money invested.

We find ourselves in a time when such “executive/CEO communities” will become more prevelent and valuable.  To look for such a peer group in your area you can certainly do an internet search and even better yet connect to one of your local networking groups or fellow executives for a referral.  It can’t hurt to try out a session or two to see what value can be gleened for your business.

For more information on the CEO Peer Groups we run in Howard County, Md – click here or contact us.

Click Article Links Below for More Press on Rising CEO Peer Groups:

• Inc. Magazine:  How to find a CEO peer group that’s worth your time–and money
• Orange County Examiner: CEO peer groups boost business results
• Business Journal:  Master business through mastermind groups
• Business Journal: Peer group provides a haven for business wonder women

Tags: ceo peer group, ceo peer groups, executive peer groups

This entry was posted on Sunday, June 28th, 2009 at 5:34 pm and is filed under Executive Engagement, Leadership Development, Personal Engagement, Strategic Engagement. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.