3.1: Peer Learning Circles

Create an ongoing peer group to freely discuss issues that other nonprofit executive directors (or emerging leaders) best understand.

Other Information:

For nearly a decade, The Nonprofit Center has facilitated a new 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 personal brain trust where they can jointly problem-solve among peers who are equally committed to increasing their leadership capacity. We have successfully applied this model to: * executive directors at all experience levels * newer executives * senior staff who will be tomorrow's nonprofit leaders. 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.

Stakeholder(s):

• Executive Directors: 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.


• Future Leaders


• New(er) Leaders

Indicator(s):

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