| Q: What is “issue processing” and how does it work? Issue processing is a core element of Vistage. It helps leaders resolve issues in their business. The Vistage Chair and all group members participate in the process, in which a business leader presents an issue, reappraises it, discovers root causes and receives guidance for simple, direct actions. “Issue processing is a structured way to present problems in your business and get feedback. What’s wonderful about it is that it forces me to listen to other people, who have other perspectives and other ideas… to get input before I start running down a path that may be wrong.” — Ned H, President Q: What value do you receive from issue processing? "As a CEO of a business when you're trying to go through issues, a lot of time you can't do it with your current staff. You really need outside perspectives from people in a similar boat as you, running their own organizations. It's invaluable." — Jason S, Director of Operations Q: How do you manage the time commitment from an all-day meeting? “If you’re asking the question, ‘How do I devote a whole day to my own development?’, you need Vistage more than anybody.” — Mark S, Founder & CEO "To create value in your company you have to be able to step away, you have to be able to let the rest of your company run the place, so that you can work on prioritizing what's important and get feedback from other people who have similar issues." — Christine G, President Q: What is a 121? (one-to-one) What value do you receive from it? A 121 is a monthly one-hour private session with Vistage Chair Jeff Oak. "The 121s allow me to focus specifically on the issues that are affecting me as a leader. It's personal, it's private. And it permits me to speak freely about the items concerning me and my business." — Andy S, President "The time I spend with the Chair in the 121s allows me to be vulnerable… the 121s become powerful because he questions some of my decisions in a manner that's constructive and breaks down the tough guy barrier that I typically have when I stand in front of my company" — Sin S, President & CEO Q: What is the culture of Jeff’s Vistage Group? "Our group is very diverse as far as gender, ethnicity and the experiences we bring to the table. I enjoy hearing from the various individuals who are part of our team and their different experiences." — Michael R, Founding Partner & CEO "We operate as peer advisors... like a corporate family where nothing is off the table" — Mark S, Founder & CEO "The culture of our group is actually fun! We are a serious, hardworking group that knows how to laugh and have fun and how to make each other laugh. For me work has to be fun, and whatever I'm doing to get better at work has to be fun." — Christine G, President Q: What has been the impact of Vistage on your leadership, personally and professionally? "I definitely feel more confident in my abilities and my leadership, and to mentor my team for them to be able to perform better." — Adam S, President Q: As a member of Jeff’s Vistage Group, what advice do you have for those considering Vistage? "If you want to create results for your business, Vistage is the right decision to be a part of. It's a totally focused group on creating results and building your team." — Adam S, President "The only advice I would give to somebody considering Vistage is ask a lot of questions. Look at your professional and personal situation and ask yourself if you've reached your full potential as a leader. And look at the future. Try to realize that there are important responsibilities where you need the support and assistance of others to help you make tough decisions.” — Andy S, President |
