One of the real highlights for me of the last several weeks has been meeting up with good friends and colleagues that I had not seen in sometime, in many cases a year or more. Each person I met with is someone that I admire, trust and have learned from. Some of them live an inconvenient distance away. Some of them move in different circles than I do, so I don't see them on a regular basis. We connected over coffee or lunch and spent at least an hour catching up with each other. Each meeting became a highlight of the week for me and provided energy and inspiration, for me certainly, and hopefully for each of my friends.

As I traveled to each engagement, I took some time to think about my relationship with my friend and remember past discussions and shared experiences. I wanted each conversation to be balanced and affirming for each of us.  Twenty-five years ago, a mentor shared with me an approach to guiding conversations with people on first meeting them. I have found it to be a real help in business and social settings and with friends I haven't seen in a long time. The approach goes by the acronym FORM for Family, Occupation, Recreation and Mission.

Family--ask about and share updates on each other's family;

Occupation--how's the job going? Any major challenges? Ask for ideas or suggestions.

Recreation--what have you been doing for fun? How's the golf game? Any interesting travel?

Mission--here's a good opportunity to share your leadership mission with each other.  How is it going? How has it changed? What have you learned?

Naturally, our conversations over coffee were full of sharing and laughter and I'm so glad we took the time. Is it time for you to reconnect with a friend or colleague?

Wednesday, January 27, 9:00 a.m. EST
Call in number: (712) 775-7031
Enter ID #: 251-410-597