FAQs
Can I afford the time?
Membership will equate to around 5% of your working time.
Many of us would insist on 5% personal development time for our team. So why not for ourselves as CEOs? Time to think and plan rather than react and do. Many members have reported time saved by finding solutions to time consuming dilemmas, as well as being refreshed and re-invigorated.
When is the best time to join?
There is no time like the present. EF Members find that by meeting at forums they solve the problems and challenges that they’re facing now, and they often break through. Joining and gaining peers’ perspective may be key to completion of your initiatives too.
Would my money be better spent getting an MBA?
I did an MBA, so I’d recommend doing one, but an EF membership outruns an MBA in some key ways.
At EF members get to address the immediate challenges faced by themselves personally or by their team, many of which they would not normally be at liberty to discuss in a board meeting. EF provides a safe place for leaders to talk, learn new approaches and arrive at new solutions. Success is defined by successful implementation rather than academic rigour, as with an MBA.
EF not only provides the opportunity to apply new learning immediately, but also to learn from peers, a proven catalyst of the learning process. A final benefit of EF is that the commitment is nowhere near as time heavy as with an MBA.
Wouldn’t getting an NED be a better option?
A good NED can be invaluable. Especially when they have a special focus or relevant experience.
The ‘peer-group’ is often referred to as the board you could never afford. It has more people who bring a broader experience base, and a wealth of different perspectives and skills. Your peer group during your membership will evolve and change. This offers the variety and spread of risk that a single NED cannot.
Where else can I get peer-group support?
What we at EF do is not unique. What is unique are the members – their quality.
The ideal peer group for you will be comprised of members who run similar sized businesses and have similar levels of experience to your own. Too great a range and you may be frustrated at how much they need from you and how little you can learn from them. It sounds harsh, but it’s a key determinant of the value you get.
Will I be sold to if I come to a Forum?
The day is an opportunity to chat to members in private, and make up your own mind whilst members make up their mind about you too. For this reason, please come only if you are considering a membership.
So there’ll be no ‘close’ on the day, but you will be asked to reflect on your experience the following day. That will be once you’ve had a chance to think and once I know the decision of the members.
What if membership doesn’t work?
I recognise that membership may not work. It’s rare, but it happens.
So, when you join it’s for a rolling period of a month. Within the first three months you can leave at any time. I offer to return your fees, but that offer has never been accepted.
How long do members stay for?
On average for 3 years. Some stay a lot longer. The record is 10 years!
And I have had to get comfortable with anyone ever wanting to leave. I have come to believe that it’s a sign that the job is done. Essentially, membership will build your confidence and build your toolkit of skills and experience. Often members will have populated their boards with their own peer group by the time they leave.