A lunch group for business persons that enables the discussion of business-related problems is not the same as being a committed member of a true peer executive group. Others might say, “We meet monthly for lunch and fellowship and also discuss business problems.” This premise would also be true for a so-called master mind group or a business problem brainstorming group.
The first and most important difference is that a genuine peer executive group is professionally facilitated by someone sufficiently qualified to know that the best answers originate among the dedicated members of the peer executive group (PEG). The best of these create an atmosphere of fellowship, but are serious about finding the best possible solutions for the problems of their members. There should be a consistent approach for modelling a particular problem of a member to not only provide feedback to the problem-presenter but to also train all PEG members on an approach to use in their own organizations for solving problems and making decisions.
A few of the PEG’s do not advocate reaching a consensus solution to a particular member’s problem but rather facilitate an approach that offers a problem presenter several different solution options. It is then expected that members receiving solution options must provide feedback on the results of the solution options at no later than the next meeting. So this creates a theme of accountability. Also, all the discussion is done under a code of confidentiality.
All the transactions of the PEG meetings should be documented and shared with all members after a particular group meeting. The best of the PEG’s also have a roster of experts to present valuable information and best practices that is valuable to business leaders – strategy, marketing, picking the best people, profit improvement, etc.
The most complete available services also should include private 1 on 1 counselling sessions with each member by the facilitator(s) to discuss the most confidential of issues.
There is typically a high level of camaraderie, some business done between peers and an overall feeling by each member who wants all other members to be successful.