Building Bridges: The Case for Executive Peer Networks

by James Millar

Overview

While few of us enjoy “networking,” we all crave authentic conversations with peers, clients, and key stakeholders. The pace of change is accelerating, and we need peer networks more than ever to understand what others are thinking and doing. The most successful executives often have the best networks—to share insights, provide support, and pursue common interests. But strong peer interactions rarely happen on their own. Time, trust, and low expectations too often get in the way.

Building Bridges urges executives to demand more. It describes the characteristics of the most valuable peer networks, where executives meet regularly for conversations they can’t have anywhere else. And it offers a set of design principles for those who want to create and sustain these vital professional resources. Because, in a transactional world, we all need to belong.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781732282629
Publisher:	SkyBridge Associates, LLC
Publication date:	06/01/2018
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	60
File size:	924 KB

About the Author

James Millar is the founder and president of SkyBridge Associates. James believes in the power of great conversations, and his firm creates the platforms leaders need to build authentic relationships and share valuable insights with each other. Since 2004, James has led more than 150 roundtable meetings for networks of executives and board directors in the United States, Canada, and Europe. James grew up in Ottawa and completed his undergraduate degree in industrial engineering from the University of Toronto. He also received an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he later served as director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid. James has lived with his family in the Boston area for more than 25 years.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

• Who am I?
• Why are great peer networks so valuable—and so rare?
• What do we mean by a network?
• How is this book organized?

PART 1: EIGHT IMPORTANT CONCEPTS

• Community
• Beliefs
• Questions
• Stories
• Leadership
• Change
• Experts
• Trust

PART 2: CREATING EXECUTIVE NETWORKS

• What are the characteristics of great executive peer networks?
• Not all networks are alike
• Why the focus on roundtable meetings?
• Case study: Innovators council
• Network design
• Network launch and network life

FINAL THOUGHTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

NOTES