Operating Principles
a work in progress
Maintain strict confidentiality
Be forthcoming and authentic
Bring significant business and personal topics to the group
Be open to feedback and learning
Be caring and supportive with one another in your feedback and advice
(language from Atlanta Consulting Group: tell the truth, with compassion)
Discomfort is to be expected in growth – but we need not rip out another’s
heart
Be aware of and share your boundaries
Give Gil permission and support to facilitate – e.g. manage the time,
surface deeper issues, help hold members accountable
All members to do the same – especially mutual accountability and
monitoring of sharing
Be appreciative and celebrate each other’s successes and efforts
Turn off disruptive electronic devices during meeting times
It may be OK to do work with/for other members of this Vistage group.
However, the members involved and Gil should discuss potential challenges of
working together and bring the possibility to the group for awareness and
feedback regarding any concerns. If a member does work for another member
it can make for a stronger relationship. On the other hand, it could make
it difficult to discuss certain significant issues in the group with a supplier
or customer present. It will also affect the group dynamic. Proceed
with caution and candor.
Attendance guidelines: We need each other to be present to get the best help
when working our issues. Therefore, the expectation/requirement is to miss
no more than 2 meetings in any 12 month period. Exceptions: 1) New members
will have a bit of leeway for dates that were scheduled prior to joining and
that cannot be changed. 2) Members who have a crisis - work or personal -
that must be a higher priority. Members who are unable to make this
continuing commitment will need to leave the group until such time they can hold
to this commitment. Rejoining will be contingent on space in the group and
that there is not a member with whom they compete or have a vertical market
relationship.
If you know in advance that you have to miss a meeting, contact all other
members and Gil (email is OK) to inform people of the situation. If
possible, plan to call in during the meeting to at least touch base; if time, to
work a topic.
Membership in a Vistage group typically lasts for many years and builds strong
bonds. If a member must leave the group, that member is expected to honor
the deep relationships by coming to a last meeting to say goodbye.
Others? |