Frequently Asked Questions About Starting an Elephant-Stomping Group

Answers to your questions and best practices from other leaders.

• How many people should I include in a group?

A: Three to eight is optimal. This allows everyone to contribute and learn from each other.

• How many meetings do we need to schedule?

A: We recommend you schedule eight meetings, one for each of the agendas. You may consider scheduling an Organizational Meeting as your first meeting, before the eight agendas that correspond with that book. This meeting is intended for you and the group members to get to know each other and discuss what will make this group most valuable for each of you.

• How often should we meet? How long should we schedule our meetings for?

A: To get the most momentum, meeting every one to two weeks is optimal. The agendas are designed for approximately one hour meetings. Every group is unique, therefore some groups may thoroughly explore an agenda in 45 minutes and other groups will take over an hour.

• How are the agendas best used? Should the agendas be provided to members before the meetings?

A: It will be important the group members read the Parts and Chapters of the book corresponding with the meeting agenda prior to attending the meeting. Each agenda covers between 20 and 50 pages. The agendas are designed to explore and apply the concepts and tools introduced in the book.

Some Elephant-Stomping Groups have provided the agendas to group members before the meetings so members can reflect on the questions ahead of time. Each agenda is formatted with space to write thoughts to each question. Members can write their thoughts as they read the book before the meeting or during the meeting.

During the meeting, consider asking members to write their thoughts to each question first, and then share responses as a large group. This creates an even richer dialogue and exploration because you will mine fresh ideas and unique perspectives.

Most groups use the agendas as a guide for their meeting discussions. They discuss most of the questions, but maybe not all of the questions each time. They follow the interests and energy of the group and report rich discussions and stellar results.

• I'm not sure I know anyone inside or outside my organization that would be interested in being part of an Elephant-Stomping Group, so where do I start?

A: Consider that you may not know who would be interested unless you ask! Options for whom to include in your group are almost endless. The only essential common denominator for Elephant-Stomping Group members is a desire to improve leadership mastery in their professional and/or personal lives.

Start with potential members that will support your desired outcomes best and then expand your focus for potential members as needed. TIP: For every person you ask, ask them if they know of others who might be interested.

• I have a few people in mind to include in an Elephant-Stomping Group, however, I'm not sure how to approach them? Do I just ask them to join a book study group? (Download the Elephant-Stomping Handbook for more ideas on this.)

There are several ways to approach potential members. Share your interest. For example, "I'm reading a book called "Stomp the Elephant in the Office," by Steven Vannoy and Craig Ross, and I'd like to talk with others about the concepts and tools. In particular, I believe this book will help me grow my leadership skills even stronger." (Download the Elephant-Stomping Handbook for more ideas on this.)

• I've never started or led this kind of group before. What do I need to know?

A: We've learned a lot from others who started out just like you. Fortunately, they've shared best practices with us with the intention of supporting more Elephant-Stompers. (Download the Elephant-Stomping Handbook for more ideas on this.)