Nourish Group FAQ

How did you select the members and group size?

We self-selected and created a meeting format that met the number involved. For us the magic number is 7. If there were 2-3 additional people, each person would get less time at each meeting, over time two-three people might've felt dissatisfied with this, and dropped out.

Do your meetings have a structured agenda?

Yes. But it's pretty informal. We gather once a month at one of our homes, at 6:30pm. The host orders Thai and we each pitch in $10. The first thirty minutes give people time to arrive, get plates of food, and socialize. The meeting starts at 7.

Each person gets 15 minutes to "check in." A check-in may take the form of sharing news since our last meeting. It may involve a particular question or issue that needs attention. The group may act as a sounding board, or provide possible solutions. It's up to the person checking-in to decide what they need and voice that.

Some questions inspired by , can be used to get someone started if they haven't anything in particular to share that month, such as:

• What's one thing you're wrestling with this month?
• Share a business success since the last time we met.
• What do you need from us?
• Would you like to set a goal for the next 30 days?

 

Why is no one new invited in?

Time and attention span. Even after trying to limit each person's check-in to 15 minutes, the natural amount of time someone needs to talk is 20, which takes two hours to get through 6 people. While most meetings have at least one member missing, this is a group of 7 and occasionally we'll either all be there, or one person will need to go over 20 minutes. Factor in at least 30 minutes to socialize and you've got a 3 hour meeting. At the end of three hours, it's late and our attention spans are taxed.

What's your favorite thing?

The immense depth of trust and respect that has developed between each person in this group.

What's your least favorite thing or frustration?

That life doesn't permit us to meet more than once a month, that our bodies get tired around 9pm, and that our attention spans can't endure each of us getting 40-60 minutes per meeting. And that the opportunity to get out of town together for a 2-day retreat, isn't feasible more than once a year.

Do you ever disagree?

There's not much to disagree on, as there's very little group discussion. Over the years we discussed bringing in guest speakers, or special activities like personality type-casting, but we each covet our 20 minutes a month so much, that there hasn't been time for much else.

Any tips?

If your favorite shirt is covered in brightly colored polka-dots - 20% of people will love your shirt, 20% will hate your shirt, and 60% won't care one way or the other. That's just the way it is.

Keep this in mind when approaching and being approached by others interested in being a part of a Nourish Group. A Nourish Group is a very intimate circle that thrives on consistency, longevity, and the warm regard and respect between members. No one likes every person in the world, that's just the way it is. Therefore, do not feel obligated to accept participation in a group with someone who rubs you the wrong way, and do take it personally when someone declines.

The following factors are not required, but they each contribute to a sustainable group:

• a diversity in types of businesses/projects that each person represents
• mature personalities/no drama queens
• amazing people with the capacity for mutual respect
• a commitment to each person getting something of value from each meeting.