LEADForward^sm is a call to action for experienced female leaders who have achieved success, to “put their leader on shout” and accelerate closing the leadership gender gap.

Based on findings in the Women in the Workplace study by LeanIn.org and McKinsey & Co., at the current pace of progress gender parity will be reached by 2095. LEADForward^sm is focused on harnessing the power of proven leaders to ignite equal opportunity for the next generation of leaders.

LEADForward^sm Roundtables are year-long peer support groups led by Accendo partners who are accomplished C-suite female leaders and certified executive coaches. Each roundtable has nine group meetings and three one-on-one coaching sessions over the course of one year.

The goal is to learn, share and challenge each other. Accendo partners provide group and individual leadership coaching, the benefits of which are well proven to accelerate leadership success.

Research shows that a small, committed peer group can achieve powerful results for both individual and collective goals, and that people are more confident in groups. By delivering a winning combination of leadership coaching and peer-to-peer support, LEADForward^sm Roundtables help women achieve breakthrough on their ascent to leadership at the top.

LEADForward^sm Roundtables are comprised of 12-15 female leaders at a similar stage of professional growth, whether it be high potential leaders who have been successful to date and aspire to grow their careers at least another one-to-two levels, or business owners ready to take their company to the next level.

Members can be from the same company, network or industry, own their own business or simply opt in individually for their own professional growth. A goal of LEADForward's program is to accelerate the participants’ succession readiness within the organization.

Individuals interested in joining a LEADForward^sm Roundtable must submit their resume or CV and complete the LEADForward^sm Roundtables application.

Groups are formed as a cohort based on background, industry, level of professional experience and management proficiency, and career goals.

The meetings are facilitated by Accendo partners and follow a formal methodology to maximize the value and development of the members. Structure is critical to the groups’ individual and collective
success, along with an open, honest environment.

FeedForward, rather than feedback, is an integral part of the program. FeedForward helps members envision a positive future, rather than a failed past. Meetings are themed around coachable topics specific to women and generally believed to fuel their leadership development.

Themed topics include:

• Leading Through Self-Discovery and Personal Vision
• Leading with Emotional intelligence
• Practicing Balance and Renewal
• Developing Confidence and Executive Presence
• Negotiating to Get What You Want
• Communicating with Power and Authority
• Accelerating Your Career Through Development, Networks, Mentorship and Sponsorship
• Leading and Coaching to Ignite and Engage People
• Leadership Simulation and Celebration

Meetings are half-day sessions, except for the first meeting, which is six hours. In months three, six and 10 each participant receives a one-on-one coaching session with an Accendo partner.

In advance of the first meeting, members will:

• Complete the StrengthsFinders assessment.
• Complete the personal vision pre-work exercises.
• Identify a leadership behavioral goal to work on for the year.

At the first meeting, members will:

• Share their StrengthsFinders results.
• Create and share their personal vision statement.
• Participate in a round robin FeedForward exercise focused on their leadership behavioral goal.
• Commit to one leadership behavioral goal and begin development of their action plan for the
  year.
• Consider a few select stakeholders who can support them and serve as accountability partners.

The next 8 subsequent meetings follow a structured format:

1. Each person shares their wins of the month.
2. Facilitated discussion of the designated theme. There may be advanced reading, guest leaders, subject matter experts, videos and case studies.FeedForward "Opportunity Seat" discussion
3. FeedForward "Opportunity Seat" discussion
4. Round robin discussion of goals or accomplishments each person wants to achieve before the next meeting

Unlike feedback, which is often negative and looks backward, FeedForward envisions a positive future and provides supportive input that is constructive and affirming.

During this portion of the meeting, a designated participant sits in the Opportunity Seat. Unlike a hot seat, which can often be pressure-filled and stressful, the Opportunity Seat is a positive way for each member to maximize and leverage the collective wisdom of the group. The member presents an actionable and specific problem, issue, idea or something they’re working on to get thoughts and suggestions from the rest of the group. Opportunity Seat can
be framed as:

1. Here’s what I’ve accomplished recently.
2. Here’s an opportunity I need help with.
3. Here’s what I will commit to.

This exercise requires honest, respectful FeedForward input. The goal is to help the participant break through. At the end of discussion, the member commits to action plan with next steps.

In preparation for the final meeting, members will create a leadership after action plan using the LEADForward tools.

At the final meeting, in addition to the opportunity seat, members:

• Share progress and accomplishments related to their development plan, and professional and behavioral goals.
• Share and commit to their after action plan.
• Celebrate!

Each member of a LEADForward^sm Roundtable must commit to:

1. Attend meetings, making attendance a priority in their schedule.
2. Fully participate in meetings, be mentally present and engage.
3. Prepare and be thoughtful for their time on the FeedForward Opportunity Seat.
4. Be completely honest.
5. Be positive and non-judgmental.
6. Maintain confidentiality.