Everyone expects the boss to create the vision, set the agenda and know all the answers. Employees, customers, vendors, bankers, partners and family members expect the leader to lead. It doesn’t matter how large the company is, or what products and services it sells. Responsibility is the price of admission, the pleasure and the pain, of being the person at the top.

What would it be like if you could tap into the collective experience, expertise and brain power of a group of your peers? What would it be like if you could ask them for confidential input before you make the tough decisions? Experience suggests that you would become a better leader, make better decisions and get better results. History shows the value of working together.

In 1957, the CEO of a manufacturing company based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, faced some very tough decisions. He knew deep inside that he did not know all the answers, so he reached out to a handful of his peers and asked for their advice. At that moment, The Executive Committee (also known as TEC) was born. Today, on the eve of its fiftieth anniversary, TEC is known as Vistage International, the world’s largest membership organization for business owners, company presidents and CEOs.

Vistage members meet once each month in groups of twelve to sixteen. They are exposed to leading edge thinking by expert speakers on topics selected by and for their group. They discuss each other’s issues in closed, executive sessions facilitated by their group chair.

In addition to group meetings, Vistage members receive monthly one-to-one coaching, have access to a vast online library of best practice content, and network with fellow members on a password protected website.

Members generate measurable results. Vistage members report nearly $300 billion in annual revenue and more than 2.1 million employees worldwide. Analysis by Dun & Bradstreet indicates that the average member company more than doubles its growth rate within two years after joining Vistage.

Member companies outperform their industry revenue trend nearly twice as often as all other U.S. companies, according to the Corporate Research Board.

Kitsap group to focus on local business

Vistage International, the world’s largest CEO membership organization, has asked Ken Sethney of Bainbridge Island to form a new peer advisory group.

There are currently 13,000 Vistage members in 15 countries, more than 340 in the Seattle area. Over the next few months, twelve to sixteen business owners, company presidents and CEOs will be invited to join the first Vistage group in Kitsap County.

Charter members will have a significant role in determining the group’s composition. A group member’s direct competitors, major customers, or significant vendors will not be allowed.

“As a group chair, I am committed to helping members ask tough questions, offer thoughtful advice, and hold each other accountable,” says Ken. “Vistage is not about networking, it is about developing the leadership skills you need to take your company to the next level.”

Ken Sethney is a Bremerton native and UW graduate with experience as a company president, management consultant and executive coach.

Interested members of the business community can learn more by visiting www.vistage.com or by contacting Ken at (206) 780-9145.