Peer Group Formats

Round Table-Best Practices
In the roundtable format, a Peer Group will discuss various subjects and present information from their own companies. The subject matter is determined in advance by the group and preparation, in advance, is the key to a successful discussion. The group has an opportunity to share processes, procedures, documents, and knowledge regarding specific subjects. A member can also request specific information from the other members of the group as well as receive feedback on their own processes and procedures.

The roundtable format can also focus on best practices. With a best practice orientation, the group discusses, identifies, and documents specific actions or processes that represent a competitive advantage or an increase in efficiency.

Parallel
The parallel format is similar to the roundtable format and that it is focused on specific subjects for the identification of best practices. The primary difference is that a second member of the management team from each company is brought to the meeting. The second member may participate in the main discussion, or attend a breakout for parallel meetings with others from the other companies. For example, a group may elect to discuss marketing and business development. In this case, it would be wise to hold a parallel meeting that would include business development or marketing managers. When parallel meetings are held, the second group usually presents their findings from their meetings to the leadership group at the end of their session. Typically, the second invitee is rotated based on the topics of interest and their area of expertise (business development, preconstruction, operations, finance, etc.). The primary benefit of bringing a second manager along is that manager leaves fired up with many ideas he/she will want to implement upon returning to the office. A secondary benefit is the network of peers they develop and whom they can call with questions and ideas.

Audit
The audit format is significantly different from the other two. In the audit, the company hosting the meeting is the subject of a business audit by the other members of the Peer Group. The group would review business operations, financial performance, processes, and procedures. It would also interview a cross-section of employees from field foremen to members of the senior management team. The group then compiles their findings into a presentation and presents them along with recommendations to the host. The company may then choose to incorporate recommendations accordingly. Because of this format, the process is significantly more involved and focused on the host company. The members of the group must be willing to open their organizations up to scrutiny and input. However, the value to the host is that they are truly receiving peer input intended to make them better and the value to the auditing members is they see and hear ideas first hand from all levels of personnel in the host company.

Hybrid
Various combinations of the above formats, typically custom crafted to meet the needs of the group.