The Third Turn

My postings to this blog have been minimal in 2015, and almost nothing since the summer began.

Last summer we announced we were stepping deeply into CEO peer-based advising. We now have a couple up and running in Eastern Wisconsin:

1.  Leader2Leader -- a 9 a.m.-1 p.m. option for nonprofit and ministry CEOs
2.  Convene -- an 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. option for owners and CEOs of enterprise, that combines with monthly coaching conversations.

Both models include training days several times per year where nationally known content experts hold forth and Team members can bring some of their staff with them to maximize organizational application and impact. With our first training days now scheduled, I can hardly wait for them to take place so that our Team members can experience the full benefit! I also hope to plan a day some time in 2015 where both teams -- and perhaps some of the new ones we have on the drawing board -- can come together for excellent input and the opportunity to deepen the fabric of quality relationships.

Along the way I've held hundreds of conversations with business and service leaders, with many more to come. Everyone loves the idea and embraces the value of joining such a team. But as is so often the case, many choose not to. The responses remind me of the stories of religious revival meetings where people are invited but refuse to be "born again." 

• If I perceive we are doing well as it is, then why would I need this? I'll consider it if we ever get into trouble and need help beyond our current competency.

• If we are doing poorly, then how can we afford it? I need to earn my way back into the possibility before I can join.

In the executive leader peer-based advising teams I chair, the hardest work is to keep us curious. A CEO's working day is too often conversation after conversation of needing to provide perspective without really being able to listen. CEOs get into telling mode too quickly because of the constant press to move on to the next item.

I was privileged today to work with Kent Wilson (pictured at right) in preparing a new and expanded group of Leader2Leader facilitators--providing executive peer-based advising for nonprofit and ministry leaders.

I'm writing this blog post as I finish my preparations for the next Convene Team meeting I will Chair.