Where Do CEOs Turn For Performance Advice?

Where Do CEOs Turn For Performance Advice?

Running a business is one of the biggest challenges a CEO or business owner faces. From hiring staff to managing the books and building a brand to keeping customers happy, business leaders confront a long list of concerns every day.


Small- and mid-sized business owners tend to be hands-on with their employees and customers. They lack the luxury of sitting back and watching it all fall into place. When issues or challenges arise, talking with employees may not be appropriate and family members don’t always understand or provide the best feedback. Today’s leaders require an exclusive niche of support; when CEOs have tough decisions to make, they find it’s best to seek counsel with their CEO peers. They need to talk with others who have successfully addressed similar issues.

In an effort to tackle issues and challenges that surface from running and growing a business, many leaders are turning to peer group advisory boards, such as Vistage International, to stay on track with professional and personal goals.

CEOs can tackle nearly any issue by applying four main areas to their business life: attend monthly peer group meetings; work one-on-one with another executive; tap into a worldwide CEO network; and engage with speakers to inspire fresh thinking and cutting-edge insights.

Peer Groups

Because CEOs don’t have colleagues in-house with whom they can discuss issues, they seek knowledge, wisdom, and insight from other business leaders. In a confidential setting, CEOs meet monthly with the same executives from a wide-range of industries. The group engages in a give-and-take relationship where trusted peers ask each other tough, in-depth questions that get to the heart of business problems or challenges.

During each meeting direct, honest feedback is supplied and actionable ideas are derived that the CEO is expected to implement. Speakers deliver proven strategies and fresh perspectives which can immediately be applied.

In a world that is run digitally, the time spent face-to-face with one’s peers is nearly invaluable.

One-on-One Sessions

Peer groups are typically led by one person, or a chair. Think of this person as the chair of an advisory board. The chair engages in one-on-one business coaching, offering advice, insights, accountability and support. The chair also should challenge the CEOs to improve performance and be personally accountable for implementing business solutions.

The chair enables the business leader to engage in candid conversations about business issues, life balance concerns and leadership development. This results in unequalled opportunities for professional growth and greater peace of mind.

Online Network

Find an online resource that helps solve business issues through audio, video and written content. Look for executive summaries and in-depth modules -- covering all areas of business, from sales management to strategic planning and hiring and retaining the best employees.

Engage with Speakers

Tap into subject-matter experts who inspire fresh thinking and share cutting-edge strategies and insights focusing on the implementation of the most relevant business solutions achieving the best results.

Organizations such as Vistage give CEOs an edge and can play a major role in tackling the many challenges business leaders face when running and growing a business. By following these four steps, a CEO is likely to achieve high growth at rates higher than other U.S. businesses.