President’s Round Table

 

What is a President’s Round Table?
A President’s Round Table is a confidential group of Presidents and CEOs, just like you, that meet once a month. The goal is to serve as a board of advisors to each other. But just as importantly, you offer your experience and insights to the other members!

Am I bound by their advice?
No, the members of the group share ideas, thoughts, and if possible, their practical experiences to help you see your issue more clearly – but you are not bound by their suggestions.

Is it confidential?
Confidentiality is the hallmark of any President’s Round Table. In the initial training of the President’s Round Table, examples are given where breaches in confidentiality have destroyed the trust built by the group. Breaches are treated very seriously and breaching members are typically asked to leave the group.

Why do I need a President’s Round Table?
No business person should be an island. You have great ideas, but just like the sayings go: “there is safety in numbers” and “two heads are better than one” (in this case 10-12 heads). This is a structured way to bring issues before a peer group who can help you see and think clearly, when you are too involved in the day-to-day operation and cannot step back to see the forest from the trees. Everyone has different life experiences and knowledge, and with an President’s Round Table all this comes to play for you and for them.

Where did the President’s Round Table Idea come from?
President’s Round Tables have been used for years, but its primary use is in an organization called Young President’s Organization (YPO). YPO gives each of its members a chance to participate in an advisory board (called a Forum) to other YPO members. Forum is the highest rated benefit and experience of YPO membership.

How often does the President’s Round Table meet?
We typically meet once a month. The group decides on whether to meet during the summer or holidays. Groups may have a summer event to invite spouses or significant others, and have a similar event during the holidays to celebrate the year’s accomplishments.

Is there a cost involved?
Yes, there is a monthly fee that covers the meeting room, drinks, snacks/meals, facilitation, materials, learning resources, books and other expenses.

Is it cost effective?
Yes, working on your business for 4-6 hours a month (less than 2% of your working time), and getting input from your peers is invaluable.

 

What makes a President’s Round Table effective?

Different Experiences and Perspectives: The members of a President’s Round Table brings with it a wide range of experiences and perspectives. A sufficiently varied board can bring different perspectives to your problem.

Higher Productivity: With a President’s Round Table, you will have up to 12 other people assisting you on your issues, problems and/or opportunities. This feedback is indispensable when you need to make important decisions for you and your companies’ future.

Structured Learning: President’s Round Tables have workshops for structured learning, as it is often cost-effective to bring in world class speakers to help you develop your skills and understanding of the latest business tools and thinking.

Structured Problem Solving: President’s Round Tables have structured problem solving sessions, for when you have a challenging problem where there is no clear answer or even process for resolving. This is where the President’s Round Tables facilitator can provide a structured environment to help you unpack the problem and think through the actions needed to work towards its resolution.

Share Difficult Issues: A President’s Round Table is working on your behalf, so if you have an issue with a fellow director or shareholder the President’s Round Table is likely to be the only place where you can share the issue in confidence, and receive a sympathetic and understanding ear.

Legal Fiduciary Responsibility: A President’s Round Table does not have authority to vote on corporate matters, nor have legal fiduciary responsibility. This dramatically reduces the cost of corporate governance. Many private businesses look to President’s Round Tables in order to benefit from the knowledge of others, without the expense, formality or corporate governance issues of a Board of Directors.

 

To be considered for a President’s Round Table in your area, please contact: coachbillie@3.141.4.180