Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. (Margaret Meade)

We have two choices, we can either travel our learning journey alone or we can travel and learn from and with others. Here’s what a Power of Seven group member says about learning in a group:

The benefits revolve around the people in the group and the deep bond and level of trust that has manifested itself. This has created the platform for sharing real experiences and knowledge in a remarkable way

Key words: Bond & trust.

Secret #1: Bond
noun: a thing used to tie something or to fasten things together. To develop powerful peer learning we need a bond or agreement that sets out rules of engagement, confidentiality (see below), learning attitudes, learning methodologies, etc. So a bond or agreement that everyone signs up to is secret # 1.

Secret #2: Trust & Confidentiality
This is the glue that allows a group to be open & honest knowing that there’s safety and that what get’s said will be held within the group with 100% confidentially. At Power of Seven we use the tried and tested Chatham House Rule: Participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.
Every member upon joining a group signs an agreement to comply with this rule along with 10 rules of engagement. This agreement also specifies what happens in case of a breach of confidentiality: If confidentiality is broken, trust is irrevocably severed. A breach of confidentiality is considered so serious that the offending person will be asked to leave the group unless s/he can explain their action(s) to the satisfaction of rest of the group and facilitator.

Above: Power of Seven group visited Inishbofin Island recently to engage in some serious work (and play). Glorious weather, great craic was had by all!

Secret #3: Vulnerability

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.”
― Brené Brown

Creating a space where peers feel safe to be vulnerable is critical to deep sharing and learning. How do we do this at Power of Seven? We name it, discuss it, hold it as a quality theme for a meeting occasionally. My job as facilitator is to model it and show vulnerability myself, this is the best way to bring it out in others.

Its learning from each others mistakes that makes it so valuable to me (Po7 member)

Secret #4: Compassionate Challenge
“If a day goes by with being challenged it’s not a good day for me” This is what one of my long standing members said to me some time ago. He said “I’m a entrepreneur, I love challenge, that’s what I live for”. Soon after I introduced a quality theme call ‘compassionate challenge’. This encourages members to challenge each other with the single motive to benefit the other person. This often manifests in asking challenging questions or suggesting another perspective. If there is not a healthy balance between support and challenge then the best learning is not taking place.

Secret #5: Fun
This is sooo important. People learn best when their relaxed and enjoying themselves. Having fun together supports this. All our Power of Seven groups have a great sense of humour. We strike a great balance between working hard and playing hard. We even have ‘Fun’ as one of our 10 rules of engagement!

Above: Power of Seven ‘Sales Executives’ enjoying a night of fun on the town in Cork this week.

‘THE NEXT LEVEL – New Power of Seven group starting this month.

For business owners who want to take their business & life to ‘The Next Level’. Contact me (barry@po7.ie) to find out more if you’d like the tools, life skills, strategies and support to take yourself and your business to ‘The Next Level’?

Barry Walsh: Founder of the Power of Seven. 16 years experience in helping business owners and their teams develop winning strategies for business growth. Barry’s facilitation style creates a space for shared learning that leads to action. www.po7.ie
Follow Po7 LinkedIn Page here

It’s September! holidays over, kids back to school, I always see it as the ‘business new year’. We’ve hopefully had some time to forget about the business but now it’s time to lay down plans for improving your business. We should also be thinking about how we can improve and support ourselves, after all as business owners we’re driving the bus.

I think a major act of leadership right now, call it a radical act, is to create the places and processes so people can actually learn together, using our experiences. Margaret J. Wheatley

This is what I’ve done with the Power of Seven. Created a special space for a group of like minded business owners to meet in absolute confidence to share challenges and support one another to be more successful in business and life. A community of business owners helping each other.

I’m sure you’ve thought at one time or another of getting a coach. The challenge often is finding the right coach, and this can be difficult and maybe a bit of a gamble, so it might be the reason you haven’t got one.

The Power of Seven is almost like having seven coaches at the same time, the difference is they all own a business just like you, and so can listen and talk from that place of trials and tribulations.

Why not drop me a line now to see if there is a group starting soon that would suit you and vice versa, or simply to find out more and request a brochure.

Who’s the right one for me?

How do I Pick a Coach?

When I went to source a coach some years ago I found it really difficult. My big obstacle was finding the right one who had the necessary expertise for the various areas I wanted to work on. Other big questions I had were:

• Will this be totally confidential?
• Will they understand my business and context?
• Have they gone through what I’ve gone through?
• Will we develop the right relationship?
• Will I be stuck with them once I ‘sign up’?
• Do I need a directional (tell me what to do) or a non-directional coach (help me find my own answers)?

All these questions prevented me from finding someone. I felt very uncomfortable especially considering I believed in the benefits of coaching and I was even starting to coach some of my clients one to one.

An Alternative

The solution came along accidentally! I started a peer group for some of my clients and a few others. It was called ‘Leaders in Learning’ with the concept that we would meet for half a day every two months to share and learn from each other and help solve each others problems. That was nearly fourteen years ago. The group continues to meet today every second month! After two years I was asked to become a member of the group as opposed to the facilitator.

I find it an excellent forum for expressing challenges that I’m stuck on, can’t see the wood for the trees, or just feel I could benefit from articulating a problem I want to get some feedback or advice on. What’s most interesting is that there are always different perspectives to be heard.

“It’s like having seven other coaches in the room as opposed to one.”

This group inspired me to launch other groups which I would assemble and facilitate professionally. There have been many over the years.

“I named it the Power of Seven – Your Personal Advisory Board”

Power of Seven Peer Coaching

This peer coaching is the most impactful form of coaching I have ever seen. When seven others are giving you feedback for no other reason that they want to help you, when you hear from others whom you respect because they own and run their own businesses, when you hear from others with similar experiences to yours and what they would do differently – you listen and you act, and you follow through. It helps to know that you’re going to be accountable to your peers when you meet them in two months time!

What Areas Do We Cover? How does it Work?

I have witnessed numerous cases where people have made radical changes in their business and lives. We don’t only work on members business, we take a balanced perspective, we look at ‘My Business’, ‘My Family’ and ‘My Self’. The view being that good performance in these three areas results in overall satisfaction, overall success. The meetings have a clearly defined structure and agenda and various processes that are used to achieve different aims. One example is a process we use to update each other since the last meeting. We fill in a one page form in advance of the meeting scoring ourselves on each of the three areas mentioned above, we also answer questions on these areas and identify one or two issues we’d like to get support on from the rest of the group. We then have a selection of other processes to use on addressing these issues.

“Thanks a lot for your help in 2015. The 2nd half of 2015 has been much better for me on all fronts & our Po7 group has helped me a lot with this. It’s an important part of my life now.” (unsolicited email)

“Thanks for all your guidance, patience, wisdom and for bringing me on a journey which I have no doubt has changed my life”. (unsolicited email)

Who Else Will Be in The Group?

The groups are carefully assembled. Each member is individually interviewed to understand their needs and levels of experience, attitude, personality, etc. I then do my ‘Willie Daly’ (of Lisdoonvarna fame) magic and invite the members I think will work best together.

How Confidential is it Really?

Totally Confidential. Everyone signs a confidentiality agreement at the first meeting. The success of the group is dependent on trust and respect. Members are reminded at the beginning and end of every meeting that confidentiality is sacred.

What Does it Cost?

A fraction of the cost of 1:1 coaching. You pay a membership for the year. You have the support of six others plus me the facilitator not just at the meetings but also in between by telephone and email. Quite often members will visit one anothers businesses to learn more and have a chat. The facilitators costs are shared by seven as opposed to a 1:1 cost.

The Process

1. Express an interest
2. Meet in person with me to access suitability, needs, etc.
3. Invited to a group most suitable for you for a brief chat and coffee to meet the others.
4. I get feedback from everyone on their first impressions.
5. Opt in to attend the first no obligation FREE meeting.
6. Opt in to joining the group for 12 months.
7. Review annually commitment to group for the following twelve months.

If you’d like to know more about the Power of Seven contact me or see more here on this website

“The benefits revolve around the people in the group and the deep bond and level of trust that has manifested itself. This has created the platform for sharing real experiences and knowledge in a remarkable way”

Notice: ‘THE NEXT LEVEL’ – New Power of Seven group starting this month.
For business owners who want to take their business & life to ‘The Next Level’.
Contact me (barry@po7.ie) to find out more if you’d like the tools, life skills, strategies and support to take yourself and your business to ‘The Next Level’.

Note: It is not being suggested here that peer groups are better than 1:1 coaching. They have different roles and can complement each other. Indeed many of my Power of Seven group members opt for 1:1 coaching from Barry in parallel with their involvement in their peer group.

4 Pages That Could Change Your Life

Imagine ……

• your life with clarity
• clarity about who you will become (as opposed to what you will do)
• clarity both in your professional life and personal life
• clarity on your values, purpose and vision for your most important roles
• then 3 year goals for each of those roles
• and finally a very simple weekly practice when you decide what actions you’ll take to become the person your truly want to be in each of those roles.

Here you go. A link to 4 FREE pages that could change your life.

This is the essence of my 20 page CLARITY workbook (newly revised) that I have helped hundreds of people with over the years, including myself. I devised it for myself then other people asked me to share it with them. First I helped people 1:1 then it got too busy. Then I started working with groups and found out it was much more powerful that way.

Anyway, make a start and print off these four pages and give yourself the gift of CLARITY for 2017 and beyond. Click here

Tip: Plan a couple of hours early one morning over the Christmas holiday. Make yourself a nice cuppa and settle in and enjoy this valuable investment in yourself. Take a break for a walk to think things over then return to finish.

Email me if you’d like the full CLARITY workbook for FREE? barry@po7.ie

I’d love to hear how you get on, please drop me a line?

The third in a series of posts on the minds of a leader that make them who they are.

Previous Posts links:

#1 Resilience – Get Back Up On Yer Bike

#2 Ego Is The Enemy

I love all the above words. It’s what came up online when I Googled the meaning of word Steadfast. I love the word steadfast, it is a quality I most admire in others and aspire to strengthen in myself.

It’s not a word used that much these days. It seems to me to be thought of as a little old fashioned. It seems to have fallen out of our vocabulary. I wonder if that’s got anything to do with how much less I see of it in others these days. Yes I’m sorry to say I’m seeing it less and less in people. I wonder if this has got anything to do with the ‘distraction’ society we live in?

When I teach meditation I explain how meditation is when we single pointedly concentrate on a something virtuous. I then talk about how concentration is so important in this and many other contexts. However, my observation is that our ability to concentrate is getting worse and worse. One of the main reasons I believe this is happening is that we are constantly ‘training in distraction’. Phones/tablets, need I say more! Maybe this is why there is so much interest in mindfulness, because we’ve been training ourselves to be everywhere except in the present.

Anyway, back to steadfastness. What is it? Why do some have it and how can it be developed?

Steadfast implies a sureness and continuousness that may be depended upon. The steadfast leader is dependable, reliable, constant and unwavering. S/he stays the course, follows through, develops good habits and keeps them.

Why do some have this quality and some don’t? A big question! My truthful answer is ‘Karma’. In simple terms some people have this naturally because they’ve created the causes to have it in the past. Some consciously develop it. How?

They think at a deeper level than most. They get clarity on who they are and what they’re about. They have a clear sense of purpose. The are also very clear about what they value and don’t value. This is all the under the water stuff which is illustrated here.

There are two principles that these people have (that can also be developed) which contribute to their steadfastness.

1.   They are self disciplined. Self-discipline is the decisive element for being the best you can be. Discipline determines destiny. In businesses, discipline is the basis for the shift from good to great. In a disciplined and respectful organisation, the environment is demanding but fosters trust and cooperation. Discipline is a key leadership principle; when you are disciplined, all the other principles begin to fall into place for you.

2.   They are accountable. Accountability goes beyond responsibility because it involves action and consequences. Being accountable for your own mistakes demonstrates leadership character, and true character is who you are when no one else is watching. To be an effective, inspirational, and influential leader, you must hold yourself accountable to the same high standards 24/7. You must also have the courage to hold others accountable.

Note: A potential weakness with steadfastness can be rigidity or stubbornness. It is important to recognize the fine balance at play with this mindset.

Hopefully some food for thought here. There’s a book in this subject. Maybe I should write it!

I’d love to hear your views on the steadfast mindset, tell me someone who is a great example for you? Other principles/traits you think are important in contributing to steadfastness.

Barry Walsh: Founder of the Power of Seven providing a personal advisory board of peers for ambitious business owners . 17 years experience in helping business owners and their teams develop winning strategies for business growth. Barry’s facilitation style creates a space for shared learning that leads to learning and action. www.po7.ie

Follow Po7 LinkedIn Page here

These amazing Power of Seven members and some partners completed one of the three Quest Achill distances on Saturday 3rd Sept 2016. We had a fantastic weekend and were blessed with glorious weather in the stunning surrounds of Achill island. Everyone seems keen to do it again next year. Why not join us?

Ego in a leader is like a bad smell, it gets detected miles away.

Just think for you how unattractive the ego trait is in someone you know who’s world centres completely around them?

To be honest ego centric is not something exclusive to high powered leaders, in fact we all suffer from it to varying degrees. It’s based on a deluded view of who we are and how we relate to others.

‘Many of us insist the main impediment to a full, successful life is the outside world. In fact, the most common enemy lies within: our ego. Early in our careers, it impedes learning and the cultivation of talent. With success, it can blind us to our faults and sow future problems. In failure, it magnifies each blow and makes recovery more difficult. At every stage, ego holds us back.’  Ryan Holiday author of Ego Is The Enemy

So why are many successful leaders ego maniacs? (e.g. a certain Mr. Trump) well it depends on how you measure success. If you measure it in material wealth, building a big business or popularity then it’s probably got something to do with leading with fear, bullish behaviour, ruthlessness, sensationalism, etc., all traits of ego mania.

From Ryan Holiday’s book: Ego is stolen. Confidence is earned. “When we remove ego, we’re left with what is real. What replaces ego is humility, yes—but rock-hard humility and confidence. Whereas ego is artificial, this type of confidence can hold weight. Ego is stolen. Confidence is earned.”

How Do We Develop Humility?

We need to change how we view ourself and others. Preciousness is in the eye of the beholder. For a dog a bone is precious with no regard for a diamond. For a person a diamond is precious with little regard for a bone. Therefore what’s precious depends on how valuable it is to us.

For a leader the people supporting his cause are precious. S/he knows that

• without them little will be achieved
• the cause is much bigger than the leader
• for the cause to continue it requires future leaders
• and inspiring others to be leaders is the wisest thing any leader can do.

Also, the best leaders are those that are continuously learning. Who do these leaders see as their teachers? everyone; young, old, right, wrong, smart, foolish (allegedly).

I remember meeting Warren Bennis in 2009 in San Diego, the grandfather of leadership development. I wrote a blog post about my encounter at the time. Here’s some of what I said:

I met with Warren for about 10 minutes. We chatted about various things. He was very complimentary about the work I am doing in Ireland. He has what I can only describe as a ‘warm’ presence. He oozes humility and imediately makes you feel that you have something valuable to offer. We exchanged a story. He listend to mine with eyes of an eight year old wanting to learn all about life right now. Warren is 82 years old yet makes you believe he is still growing up! He gave me the impression of the ultimate learner. He made my story seem so much more important than his and thanked me for the gift in telling him the story. My only regeret is that I was not as present for his story as he was for mine. This was not helped by the fact that I was wondering if this was for real or a dream!

Leadership is a practice. Have a go at seeing everyone as precious, work at it mindfully day in day out and not only will you develop humility but you will make yourself feel so happy (indeed you’re the only one that can!).

This is the first in a series of posts on the minds of a leader that make them who they are.

I heard an inspiring interview on the radio last week.

On September 2, 2013, at the age of sixty-four, Diana Nyad emerged onto the sands of Key West after swimming 111 miles, nation to nation, Cuba to Florida, in an epic feat of both endurance and human will, in fifty-three hours. Diana carried three poignant messages on her way across this stretch of shark-infested waters, and she spoke them to the crowd in her moment of final triumph:

1. Never, ever give up.
2. You’re never too old to chase your dreams.
3. It looks like a solitary sport, but it’s a Team.

Her book Find a Way is next on my list to purchase (after I read the ones I have!)

At the end of her magnificent journey, after thirty-five years and four crushing failures, the public found hope in Diana’s perseverance. They were inspired by her mantra—find a way—that led her to realize a dream in her sixties that had eluded her as a young champion in peak form.

What resonated with me most of Diana’s three points above was:

Never, ever give up.

With many of the Power of Seven groups we have people trying to change habits of a lifetime, embarrased by a pattern of repeating core issues, or chasing hairy audacious goals. In each case the motto I encourage is to

get back up on yer bike

Getting back up on your bike is by no means easy. However it is a critical part of the mind I see in great leaders I know (and have read about). If we know that this is something we always do on things we truly believe in, then when something goes wrong, we fail, the new habit fades away, etc. we know we always start again (get back up on that bike). Each time we fall off the bike and start again we learn something new (Learners Mind). Knowing that we always start again informs us that we’ve decided to stick with this no matter what, which interestingly in my experience means I fall off less often!

Getting back up on yer bike is part of the Power of Seven culture. Once you’ve sincerly decided to change something or achieve a specific goal you are encouraged by the group to learn from your mistakes then ‘get back up on that bike’ whenever you fall off. The group don’t care how long it takes, even if it’s a lifetime.

Note: falling off, learning, getting back up may involve changing strategies, asking for help, developing new competencies, revisiting the goal, changing the goal, etc. All great leaders minds are accompanied by wisdom.

Would really love to hear of any personal stories of how ‘getting back up on yer bike’ worked for you?

Barry Walsh: Founder of the Power of Seven providing a personal advisory board of peers for ambitious business owners . 17 years experience in helping business owners and their teams develop winning strategies for business growth. Barry’s facilitation style creates a space for shared learning that leads to learning and action. www.po7.ie
Follow Po7 LinkedIn Page here

Conversations on Braised beef, River Dance, White van man, 1-2-turn, Gay marriage, Election 2016, No credit card, 2.5hr walking tours, Mobile phone insurance, Beat the Government legally, Ok Ted, McDonalds, Carlsberg Ski Tours.com were had on a recent Power of Seven skiing trip.

This group now in it’s fifth year decided to build some adventure into their meetings. The most recent was a 4 day skiing trip they organised to Morzine in France. Whilst our conversations were mostly informal lots of serious work related topics were discussed as well as lots of mighty great craic!

Here’s what some of the guys had to say in a post trip email thread:

I found it inspiring, motivational and well worth doing.  Our group is probably stronger from building on interpersonal relationships and genuine respect for each other while also having a greater awareness of different views that were expressed.  It says a lot about the group that we lived with each other for almost 5 days and shared some very memorable times without a cross word spoken

 

It was a great (mad) trip and I am still totally buzzing from learning to ski fairly well by the last day. And no matter what anyone else says I still think you are a great bunch of guys!!

 

I picked up the usual few ‘nuggets’ of good info that are always generated when we meet. I think the bond in the group is only strengthened further after this.

 

..It was great to have a bit of a blow out together incl. the court case to give us all ability to question/challenge/push each other going forward.

New Group Starting Next Month