Welcome

Forum Training New Chairs and Vice Chairs

Training Agenda Introductions Objectives Critical Principles of Forum Success Forum Roles and Responsibilities Stages of Forum Development Sample Forum Meeting Agenda

Objectives Understand critical principles of Forum success Share best Forum practices Offer suggestions for enhancing Forum experience

Critical Principles of Forum Success Forum norms are based on the following six critical principles: Group purpose Confidentiality Commitment Membership Participation Leadership

Critical Principles of Forum Success Group Purpose The Forum must have a common purpose and a shared vision.

Critical Principles of Forum Success Confidentiality Members must have confidence that matters discussed in the Forum will not be shared outside the group.

Critical Principles of Forum Success Commitment Forum members must be present and available.

Critical Principles of Forum Success Membership The most effective make-up of a Forum includes a diverse group of peers who have no conflicts of interest.

Critical Principles of Forum Success Participation How members interact in the group provides a direct link to trust and openness.

Critical Principles of Forum Success Leadership The Forum must have committed leaders.

Roles and Responsibilities Chair Creates and maintains a confidential, productive environment where members will be stimulated and can grow professionally. Vice Chair Supports the chair and assists with developing the meeting agenda

Roles and Responsibilities Presenters Bring detailed and candid case study presentations and facilitate a good discussion Research an important topic and come prepared to lay the groundwork for discussion and exploration Volunteer early and come prepared

Roles and Responsibilities Members Place a priority on participation When you are there….be there (phones off) Don’t dominate the conversation Listen to presentations and discussions in a thoughtful manner Share your own experiences in a frank and candid way

Stages of Forum Development First Stage Enthusiastic on the surface Skeptical Take few risks

Stages of Forum Development Second Stage Trust, respect, openness and risk taking Gain personal knowledge of one another Begin to believe in the Forum Many Forums never go beyond this stage, but are still a very meaningful experience

Stages of Forum Development Third Stage An open atmosphere of acceptance Attendance is an absolute top priority Treat fellow members as your personal board of trusted advisors

Stages of Forum Development Third Stage (con’t) Very comfortable in sharing the most confidential information Get and give thoughtful advice

Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Open meeting Start on time Welcome Confidentiality and Commitment Norm Conduct Inclusion Exercise Assign Timekeeper and Scribe

Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Inclusion Exercise Ideas For new groups, each member states: Name Company What they are working on What they hope to get out of the Forum experience

Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Inclusion Exercise Ideas For existing groups: What is the best and worst thing that happened to your business since the last meeting? Same as above for personal life

Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Inclusion Exercise Ideas Using a market, or Research Foundation report, pick up a finding and ask members to go around the table ask if they agree/ disagree, and why.

Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Member Updates Allow a certain amount of time per person Structure the exercise with specific questions Capture topics/issues for further discussion

Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Forum Member Presenters Case studies Issue, or topical discussion Book or report review

Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Forum Member Presenters Case studies Issue, or topical discussion Book or report review

Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Housekeeping Plan for your next Forum meeting Date/time/location Select topics/issues Identify and confirm presenters Discuss possible tour options Restaurants

Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Closing Get feedback about the meeting What worked? What didn’t What to do differently next time Conduct closing exercise – question about a focus area for next meeting.

Recap on Group Dynamics Inclusion – Phase I – Am I in or out…the inclusion exercise is important to get the group focused Control – Phase 2 – enthusiasm in the group can seem like a challenge to leadership Openness – Phase 3 – once issues of inclusion and control are handled, openness occurs.

Forum Policies Must be a member of NAIOP Appointment is for three years, or six meetings Miss more than two meetings…asked to resign May be reappointed for additional three-year terms

Forum Policies Please respond quickly to registration and restaurant Let us know early about plans for extra sessions and tours Recruit additional members to the Forum who fit the desired profile

Stay in Touch Contact your fellow Forum members between meetings Use your List Serve

Don’t Hesitate to Call 703-674-1436 Bennett Gray Vice President gray@naiop.org