How does a Power Group Differ from a CEO / Functional Small Group or Roundtable?

A CEO or Trusted Advisor group, like the Vistage model, provides a structured approach with a pre-qualified facilitator. The quality of the facilitator will vary but they usually are trained. The focus of these groups, from personal experience and observation, is on business growth, leadership, and generally does touch upon deeper personal issues.

The challenge is that deeper personal issues are difficult to deal with in this environment and usually are best dealt with on a one-to-one session with the facilitator. This is particularly true when, as is most cases, the audience are mixed genders. In some cases, the group can work at a deeper level unless the discussion keeps centering around the same person which takes away from the other members.

Can these small groups help? Absolutely! I recommend Vistage – and they have recommended me. We do not compete. Their focus is not job search or career development. By design, members are often from completely different careers, companies, and environments that limits usefulness in helping each other but also reduces competitive threats or misuse of information.

Small functional groups are often far less structured. A good example might be a roundtable comprised of CFOs or similar career individuals. These groups are often lead by a less skilled individual who may best serve as a facilitator to encourage other members to brainstorm issues that they are facing. Again, these issues are generally profession related but having members from the same profession, yet different companies, can be immensely useful for sharing ideas and asking questions that may not be suitable within their own company.

Functional groups usually do not get too personal but can be low risk environments to meet others of similar mindset who then could become part a personal trusted advisor network or of a Power Group.