What Forum Gives - ForumSpace

At this point in my Forum journey, it feels a bit redundant to consider what Forum gives me. For more than a decade, I’ve been living, working, breathing YPO and my Forum, and it’s intrinsically connected to me and my life now. But looking back on when I started, it’s easy to track where the benefits have come in. Now, with the option for Key Associates Forum, it has given me a chance to extend those benefits to my nominee, and to see the results as if I’m living them over again.

I have been a part of a Forum for over ten years now. I am still a part of the same Forum that I started in, even though we have grown by two members since I started. Having been together for so many years now, our Forum remains strong, connected, and healthy. And a large part of me wonders what makes it so. Ultimately, I think it boils down to the deep commitment of the people and the community you build together.

At this point in my Forum journey, it feels a bit redundant to consider what Forum gives me. For more than a decade, I’ve been living, working, breathing YPO and my Forum, and it’s intrinsically connected to me and my life now. But looking back on when I started, it’s easy to track where the benefits have come in. Now, with the option for Key Associates Forum, it has given me a chance to extend those benefits to my nominee, and to see the results as if I’m living them over again.

I have been a part of a Forum for over ten years now. I am still a part of the same Forum that I started in, even though we have grown by two members since I started. Having been together for so many years now, our Forum remains strong, connected, and healthy. And a large part of me wonders what makes it so. Ultimately, I think it boils down to the deep commitment of the people and the community you build together.

What Makes a Healthy Forum?

When I think about the health of my Forum, obviously, I go through the checklists that we’re used to. Everyone attends regularly, no one shares anything confidential, we all trust the process, etc. All those norms are vital for Forum health. But it goes beyond that. A healthy Forum needs to act as a safety net for one another. It needs to offer the space and depth to hold each other accountable and call each other out when needed. It needs to be deeper than surface-level conversations.

I think this is one of the greatest things that Forum gives me. A space to be completely vulnerable without fear of retaliation. When thinking about the other aspects of my life, almost all conversations have an agenda. Be it with a spouse, a friend, a boss, or a colleague, the consequences of those conversations are far-reaching, so it’s easy to withhold the full depth of what you want to say for fear of upsetting someone. With Forum, there is no external force that you need to worry about. The relationship is just the relationship, and that is a beautiful thing.

My Forum’s health can always be assessed by asking whether or not we are providing the place to be completely vulnerable and offering an outside perspective that challenges us to see new angles to our issues.

What Makes a Healthy Forum?

When I think about the health of my Forum, obviously, I go through the checklists that we’re used to. Everyone attends regularly, no one shares anything confidential, we all trust the process, etc. All those norms are vital for Forum health. But it goes beyond that. A healthy Forum needs to act as a safety net for one another. It needs to offer the space and depth to hold each other accountable and call each other out when needed. It needs to be deeper than surface-level conversations.

I think this is one of the greatest things that Forum gives me. A space to be completely vulnerable without fear of retaliation. When thinking about the other aspects of my life, almost all conversations have an agenda. Be it with a spouse, a friend, a boss, or a colleague, the consequences of those conversations are far-reaching, so it’s easy to withhold the full depth of what you want to say for fear of upsetting someone. With Forum, there is no external force that you need to worry about. The relationship is just the relationship, and that is a beautiful thing.

My Forum’s health can always be assessed by asking whether or not we are providing the place to be completely vulnerable and offering an outside perspective that challenges us to see new angles to our issues.

The Transformative Nature of Forum

We can’t look at what Forum gives me without looking at the transformative nature of Forum. Forums aren’t just a static thing. Yes, I may still be part of the same Forum I started in, but it has grown and transformed alongside its members. As a group, we have reached a point now where we meet for a full day outside of our usual meetings, usually at a member’s house, so we can spend time learning and growing together. We also have our full retreat once a year, usually somewhere we all travel to, in order to go deeper in our explorations and intentions.

In essence, as you grow, so does your Forum as a whole. I honestly think that Forum has helped me to be a better version of myself in all aspects of leadership. In family, in community, in work - every aspect of my life has been transformed by Forum. Every now and then, people are blessed to have a truly selfless mentor who gives to you without agenda or hopes of reward. With Forum, I have a whole group.

The Transformative Nature of Forum

We can’t look at what Forum gives me without looking at the transformative nature of Forum. Forums aren’t just a static thing. Yes, I may still be part of the same Forum I started in, but it has grown and transformed alongside its members. As a group, we have reached a point now where we meet for a full day outside of our usual meetings, usually at a member’s house, so we can spend time learning and growing together. We also have our full retreat once a year, usually somewhere we all travel to, in order to go deeper in our explorations and intentions.

In essence, as you grow, so does your Forum as a whole. I honestly think that Forum has helped me to be a better version of myself in all aspects of leadership. In family, in community, in work - every aspect of my life has been transformed by Forum. Every now and then, people are blessed to have a truly selfless mentor who gives to you without agenda or hopes of reward. With Forum, I have a whole group.

Giving Back

I’ve mentioned a few of the things that Forum gives me. I truly believe that it has been a transformational, positive experience for me. Thus, the question became, “What can I give back?” This is where Key Associates Forum was the obvious answer.

I have seen the way in which I have changed, not just as an individual, but also as a leader. It only made sense for me to offer the same opportunity of growth and transformation to someone I felt would run with it and continue with it. My nominee has found Forum to be completely different to all other peer groups she has tried in the past. Instead of focusing just on our industry, Forum takes a much more holistic approach. She says that they see her as more than just one of her titles - employee, mom, provider. Her Forum is the place where she can challenge her leadership skills at a fundamental level.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how having her in Forum has helped me, too. She now has a better understanding of the time commitments I have with my Forum and YPO, and the importance of being present. The more people who understand the importance of it, the better our company gels as a whole. Plus, the more we invest in individuals, the more they grow as leaders. The company can only benefit from strong, robust leadership.

My hope for her is that she will continue to grow within her Forum and to reap the benefits of getting closer and more vulnerable with her fellow members as time goes on.

Giving Back

I’ve mentioned a few of the things that Forum gives me. I truly believe that it has been a transformational, positive experience for me. Thus, the question became, “What can I give back?” This is where Key Associates Forum was the obvious answer.

I have seen the way in which I have changed, not just as an individual, but also as a leader. It only made sense for me to offer the same opportunity of growth and transformation to someone I felt would run with it and continue with it. My nominee has found Forum to be completely different to all other peer groups she has tried in the past. Instead of focusing just on our industry, Forum takes a much more holistic approach. She says that they see her as more than just one of her titles - employee, mom, provider. Her Forum is the place where she can challenge her leadership skills at a fundamental level.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how having her in Forum has helped me, too. She now has a better understanding of the time commitments I have with my Forum and YPO, and the importance of being present. The more people who understand the importance of it, the better our company gels as a whole. Plus, the more we invest in individuals, the more they grow as leaders. The company can only benefit from strong, robust leadership.

My hope for her is that she will continue to grow within her Forum and to reap the benefits of getting closer and more vulnerable with her fellow members as time goes on.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Forum has done more for me in my life than I can quantify. And yet, somehow, it keeps on giving. Now, I’m no longer experiencing the benefits in isolation. I am able to share the experience with others in my team and watch as they reach new heights for themselves. I’ve always said that some of the best events I’ve ever attended have been from fellow YPO members, because everyone in the room shares the same passion and drive - we speak the same language. Now, with Key Associates Forum, we can bring that same energy into the office. I honestly feel that all Chapter Chairs should consider this option for their teams.

About the Author

Delcie Bean was born in California, raised in New England, and educated by some of the best minds in business. He believes strongly that technology should be used to make life easier and he is obsessed with puzzles, both literal and strategic. Delcie thrives on helping businesses grow and thrive.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Forum has done more for me in my life than I can quantify. And yet, somehow, it keeps on giving. Now, I’m no longer experiencing the benefits in isolation. I am able to share the experience with others in my team and watch as they reach new heights for themselves. I’ve always said that some of the best events I’ve ever attended have been from fellow YPO members, because everyone in the room shares the same passion and drive - we speak the same language. Now, with Key Associates Forum, we can bring that same energy into the office. I honestly feel that all Chapter Chairs should consider this option for their teams.

About the Author

Delcie Bean was born in California, raised in New England, and educated by some of the best minds in business. He believes strongly that technology should be used to make life easier and he is obsessed with puzzles, both literal and strategic. Delcie thrives on helping businesses grow and thrive.