Manage Smarter 284 — The Power of Peer Groups with Aviva Leebow

HOSTED BY C. LEE SMITH AND AUDREY STRONG
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Aviva Leebow discusses the impact of peer advisory groups on leadership development in this episode. She shares insights on how these groups help CEOs and business leaders break barriers, gain diverse perspectives, and make impactful decisions. Aviva emphasizes the importance of addressing blind spots and the unique benefits of peer groups over traditional mentorship. 

She is based in Atlanta, Georgia, where she leads two groups within the world's largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and mid-​sized businesses. 

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In this podcast for sales managers and executive leadership, Audrey Strong, C. Lee Smith and Aviva Leebow help you to answer:

What is the primary benefit of participating in a peer advisory group?

The main benefit is gaining diverse perspectives and being challenged to think differently and deeper. Aviva Leebow explains this helps business professionals see their blind spots and make more informed decisions.

What is the difference between a peer advisory group and traditional networking?

Peer advisory groups offer deeper relationships and genuine support, unlike traditional networking, which often results in shallow connections and forgotten business cards. According to Aviva Leebow, peer groups provide a safe space for meaningful interactions and problem-solving.

How are Vistage groups structured to accommodate different leadership roles?

Vistage offers various groups across the leadership spectrum, including CEO groups, small business groups, key executive groups, and more. Vistage Chair Aviva Leebow explains that each group is tailored to address the specific challenges and opportunities faced by its members.

How does Vistage help with decision-​making in business acquisitions? 

Aviva Leebow shared a case on the Manage Smarter podcast where a member avoided a poor acquisition decision thanks to peer group feedback, which led to a more lucrative opportunity later. This highlights the financial and strategic value of peer group insights in critical business decisions.

What is the role of a Vistage Chair in facilitating peer groups? 

A Vistage chair involves assembling the right group dynamics, facilitating meetings, and providing one-​on-​one coaching. The chair ensures that the group stays focused and productive, maximizing the benefits for all members, according to Aviva Leebow

"If you had to choose one between a coach and a peer group environment, I choose a peer group environment all day long. Even as a coach, I say that."

Aviva Leebow

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