I can’t make time for your group in my schedule

We all get 168 hours/week - what are your priorities? My members aren’t bored, trying to fill their calendars. They’re extremely productive and invest time carefully. My groups don’t “take” time they “create” time.

I need to get over this project, quarter, etc.

Anyone who thinks, “I’ll have more time after I get over this hump” hasn’t learned from the past. There are always more humps. Were you humping twelve months ago? Six? Last week? Perhaps it’s time to learn that humping is not the cure for humping. Spend some time in my group and you’ll stop with the humps.

I’m too busy

Too busy to become a better leader? Members report that spending time on their business with a peer group, rather than in their business, makes them more effective leaders, and they can do more with less.

I can’t afford your group

Members don’t join to waste money - they do it for the ROI. Is your budget for your development zero? If you don’t invest in your growth as a leader you’ll likely eventually lose control of your business.

No, really – I have no cash. We’re headed for a BK

Ouch, OK. I don’t bring in people on the verge of bankruptcy. If you want to brainstorm ideas for getting out of your cash crunch, get on my calendar - I’ve done a lot of turnaround work. I also know great specialists.

I already have a peer group

Is it highly functioning? If so I’m glad you’re supported. Or is it a social circle or networking club calling itself a peer group? Because that’s not what we do. Does your peer group have a trained, focused leader? My meetings are productive - members leave with new insights for leading their companies. You will make friends you’ll want to get to know, and that’s great. During group time we are there to work.

I have a coach

Coaching can be an excellent resource. I like to say that 10 heads are better than two. And peers hold each another accountable more powerfully than a coach can. You can fire a coach, but you can’t fire your peers. Think about the implications for a second. If you don’t see my point, get on my calendar.

I have an advisory board

Friends? Professionals? Family? Other shareholders? Local business leaders? They all give advice. But none can give you agenda-free advice (link). They typically have some agenda: their love and affection for you, their desire to impress, minding their investment, wanting to keep you as a client. My members give each other their best thinking - take it or leave it. The highest performing members listen hard to their peers.

I can’t possibly learn from other people

Some members arrive to the group ready to learn - others are reluctant at first. But everyone learns that they are not the smartest person in the room on every issue. Every member will tell you they have learned fundamental lessons from each person in the group.

I can’t trust others with my secrets

So you’re a bit paranoid - healthy, I’d be concerned if you weren’t. Our first principle and group agreement is confidentiality. Everyone signs an NDA, members have no business relationships with each other, and are from diverse industries and geographies. My members learn how to trust by being trustworthy. Members reach adulthood marked by a developmental milestone - knowing what stories are ours to tell, and what stories are not ours to tell.