What is this all about?

  • 3 - 5 people
  • Meeting regularly every 2 - 4 weeks
  • For 2 - 3 hours
  • For 6 - 8 months
  • For mutual
    • encouragement
    • advice and support
    • exchange of ideas

What is it all about?

  • Personal and professional goals
  • Systematic approach
  • Working team
  • Rules for working together

Structure of the Meetings

Onset
Information on the status of matters - approx. 5 minutes

Support System - Important Elements

  • Punctual start
  • Clear time structure
  • Who moderates/supervises the adherence to the time structure?
  • Keeper of the minutes or does everybody write?
  • No repetition for latecomers
  • Information to absent team members

Homework

  • Each member summarizes in writing for two minutes action items for the next gathering

Benefits for each member

  • Working persistently and resolutely on her goals
  • Advice and feedback from the others
  • Individual approach
  • Self-discipline
  • Small, reliable network
  • Win-win situation for everybody

Basic Prerequisites

  • Openness and curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Energy
  • Positive, constructive and respectful attitude
  • Trust and understanding
  • Involvement and commitment
  • Willingness to learn something new
(Contributed by Sabine Schmeltzer, Chair, IDP in Europe)