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What is a CEO Think Tank and why is it important to me?
A place to go monthly where you can confidentially meet with a select group of peers to exchange ideas, provide support, get constructive criticism and hear the kind of feedback you only wish were available elsewhere. You learn things nobody else will tell you because they've been haven't been there to know. The broad perspective offered by the collective participation of the members of each Think Tank gives you a valuable tool you might otherwise have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to obtain. Moreover, the CEO Think Tank is unique in that we strive to provide a safe and confidential environment in which you can talk about and integrate both life and work experiences and growth.
Does a CEO Think Tank Provide Networking Opportunities?
For many members, it does, but that's not our main purpose. We're here to provide a safe and supportive forum of peers to give you the know how and experience to make important decisions with clarity and confidence. While not exactly networking, members serve as ongoing sounding boards for their group members. Access to this pool of talent alone is priceless.
What happens at a CEO Think Tank® session?
Most monthly sessions feature an opening sharing/expectation "go around" so everyone can state their priorities for the session while giving other members time to think about possible contributions they could make to the solution. Twice a quarter (at half day meetings) this is followed by an Executive Session that includes a host presentation and as well as other opportunity or issues discussions that are pertinent. Once a quarter the meetings are a full day. A speaker/workshop environment rounds out the morning session, the group takes lunch together, then goes into Executive Session in the afternoon.
How can I find the time?
A philosopher once said, "You can't manage time, just do the best with what time you have." How we spend our time is in direct proportion to how we value what we do. Leaders everywhere are challenged by time. Our current members look at their CEO Think Tank® time as an investment in their future. The actual contact time - not counting any coaching - amounts to less than 1 day/month. The program is structured so that the time spent among your peers is concentrated and powerful. Each member counts the minutes differently, but all agree it's worth the price.
I already have a Board of Directors, do I still need an organization like CEO Think Tank®?
Listening to your personal business concerns and life challenges are usually not the function of the Board of Directors. Your board, whether advisory or legal, is tasked with providing advice to the owners, counsel to the CEO, and an audit of the performance of the company. It's also there to intervene in times of organizational crisis. In other words, the Board is focused on the "state-of-the-business", not on facilitating your own growth as a business leader and as a human being. CEO Think Tank® takes on a different role, integrating the intellect and emotions, mind and body. This focus on the personal is something a Board might not want to hear and you, as CEO/owner, might not want to show.
Are materials and other resources provided?
All materials are provided, including worksheets to help focus and organize your thoughts. In addition, in both hard copy and online, resources showing you where to find vendors, contacts, critical information and other important items are made available regularly.
Could a competitor join my group?
No. The screening process helps us determine if there are any potential conflicts among members and candidates, before a candidate is accorded membership. As a final audit, candidates attend one session as a provisional member. If there is anyone in the group who is uncomfortable with a candidate, that candidate will either be rejected or referred to another group.
What about the Annual Retreat?
The annual retreat is a day long labor of love. The group gets out of its usual model and goes off to a congenial spot to spend time looking to the future - both the future of your company and of your group. It is highly revitalizing.
How do the Senior Leadership Groups and Associate Groups differ?
Senior Leadership Groups and Associate groups differ in terms of focus, time investment and services provided. In the Senior Leadership Group the focus is on supporting the company plan, engaging with peers and being good team players. For Associates, more focus is given to running a small business, dealing with growing pains, marketing services and managing client relations. In the Associates Group, monthly sessions are 3˝ hours in length and guest Speakers are more of a special event. General information - the CEO Think Tank® body of knowledge - the web site and other services are available to all members. Working with people at your level and with goals and objectives similar to yours is, of course, the biggest benefit.
TYPICAL DISCUSSIONS AT A THINK TANK MIGHT INCLUDE:
- How do I make buying decisions? And how do I evaluate alternatives?
- How do I market effectively?
- What should my focus be in relation to new products?
- Family members in the business are driving me crazy, what can I do short of mayhem?
- Does anyone else have problems like mine with your supply chain?
- How do I know if my business is truly successful? What are the right metrics?
- How do you deal with the people-side of the company?
- How do I make my life work in the midst of making my company work?
- How do I proactively manage ______(name an impending potential crisis) so that I minimize potential damage?
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