Executive Directors are in a unique position – straddling that challenging space between staff and board. The incessant demands on executive directors require supports designed specifically for them, from executive coaching that identifies and amplifies skills while minimizing weaknesses to specialized peer support.
For more than a dozen years, The Nonprofit Center has facilitated an innovative approach to leadership growth and development for both executive directors and for future nonprofit leaders. These peer leadership learning circles (originally called “CLEAR Circles” for Cultivating Leadership Excellence and Responsibility), create an ongoing peer group to freely discuss issues that other nonprofit executive directors (or emerging leaders) best understand. They are for professionals who want to participate in a shared brain trust where they can jointly strategize and problem-solve among peers who are equally committed to increasing their leadership capacity, following the edict that we achieve more in groups than we do as individuals.
Peer Leadership Learning Circles consist of seven or eight individuals who meet monthly for two hours over eight months, with a professional facilitator. Discussion is driven and shaped by group members, with the goal of helping each other achieve goals through an action learning experience. Problem-solving, professional development and peer support are all by-products emerging from this confidential, supportive environment.
Circles can be geographically-oriented and built on a rolling calendar, depending upon interest. In other words, you can help us start a Circle in a preferred location. Experience for yourself the power of peer support, contact Lori Moffa at lori@npcenter.org for more information and to be added to a waiting list.
Get our “Peer Learning Circle” Fact Sheet >
